Hero Para is in line for VC

Chris Osuh

October 16, 2006

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GONG: McKinley.

A PARATROOPER from Manchester has been nominated for the Victoria Cross for saving the life of a wounded American soldier while under fire from the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Private Peter McKinley, 21, could become only the second living serviceman in 40 years to be awarded Britain's highest military honour.

He endured a 15-minute barrage of grenades and machine-gun fire as he treated the US serviceman during one of the fiercest battles of the current campaign fought by the 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment.

Army chiefs are now putting his name forward for a VC for the "massive act of bravery". Pte McKinley was one of 100 Paras sent from their base to rescue an American supply convoy ambushed by Taliban fighters at Sangin in northern Helmand province.

The Paras formed a defensive cordon around the Americans, but as night descended, dozens of Taliban, armed with rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns, launched a blistering attack. Two American soldiers were badly wounded when grenades tore into the jeep where they were sheltering.

First-aider Pte McKinley heard their desperate screams for help and ran across open ground to the vehicle as enemy rounds whistled overhead.

Training

He found the American sergeant had suffered serious facial injuries and other wounds including a broken arm, a neck injury, and fragments in his legs.

Pte McKinley said: "They were still firing at us when I ran back to the Humvee. The sergeant was in a pretty bad way but my training just kicked in and I spent about 15 minutes looking after his wounds, stemming the blood and keeping his airway clear."

Major Will Pike, the commander of A Company, described the soldier's actions as "massively impressive". He added: "He was very brave while completely disregarding his own safety. He also treated the American soldier beyond the level that as team medic he is expected to perform. We have a lot of private soldiers who are very young and just out of training but have proved very steady under fire."

To earn the VC soldiers have to display conspicuous bravery or daring or perform a prominent "act of valour or self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy".

An MoD spokesman said: "We can confirm Pte McKinley provided medical treatment to a US soldier whilst under sustained attack."

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ken, canada (16/10/2006 at 16:11)

not to impressed with the commanding officer's comments (we have a lot of private soldiers here) should there not be some experienced soldiers too. society uses the word hero to lightly these days in regards to some people who can kick a ball, Private Peter McKinley i for one salute you. you're bravery is what being called a hero is men't to mean. good luck and thank you to you and all the NATO forces serving abroad.

Tim, Kuwait (16/10/2006 at 18:51)

Thank You Private McKinley. You Indeed deserve the VC. My thanks also to your fellow Paras who also answered the call for assistance.

Richard Travis, Paris, TN, USA (16/10/2006 at 19:05)

Whether or not we support the war, Soldiers like Private McKinley should treated with the respect they deserve.
Thank you Private, and if you ever get to Paris, TN the steak & drinks are on me.

Scott, California, USA (16/10/2006 at 19:15)

This Navy veteran supports the Private's nomination! Paratrooper McKinley demonstrated his dedication to his mission and without regard for his own safety, saved the life of one of my own. A true Ally! England should be proud to call him their own!

Joel, Kansas City, USA (16/10/2006 at 19:20)

As an American, I'd love to see him get the Congressional Medal of Honor, too. May that man NEVER have to buy his own beer again. Thank God for the British.

Tom Cunningham, USA (16/10/2006 at 19:21)

Thank you, Private McKinley, and God bless!

Randy Edward Phillips, Atlanta, Georgis USA (16/10/2006 at 19:42)

Thank You Private Mckinley. You and your fellow soldiers are doing dangerous work under very trying circumstances. As an American and friend of the English, I am grateful for your selflessness and courage. Whether or not we agree with causes of this war, we realise and understand that the men serving there are of the absolute highest calibre, strength, and fortitude . Thank you for being a damn good man, and a damn good soldier and friend. You DO deserve this recognition as well as the VC.

Sebastian, Depaul (16/10/2006 at 19:42)

It's all well and good for him to have been brave and run acrossa field under fire, but it's hardly enough to merit a VC. There are political process at work. It's a shame to belittle the prior VC's with this.

lizzard, Devon (16/10/2006 at 20:04)

Ken, Canada, totaly agree with your comments re; use of word hero. Private Peter Mcknley congratulations on a reward you doubtless deserve!. I too thank you and all the Brirish forces for putting your life on the line in such a brave selfless way.

Joe, USA (16/10/2006 at 20:27)

Bless you soldier, and all who serve. It's nice to know we still have friends in this world. My prayers are with all who face extreme danger and hardship so I and my fellow citizens may live in peace. Long live Britian, our true friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

R. Goranflo, Portland, Oregon, USA (16/10/2006 at 20:50)

Private McKinley deserves not only the highest award from the UK but also deserves the the highest US military award the Medal of Honor. Thank you Private McKinley, the world needs more people like yourself.

Brandon, Alaska (16/10/2006 at 22:02)

As an American, I have to say hats off to our British allies, and especially Peter McKinley, for their willingness to help us in our time of need -- especially since British involvment is so controversial in their country. Thanks for being there for us, again and again.

Steve, Cleveland, Ohio (16/10/2006 at 22:09)

Thank you very much Private McKinley for your service to your country and for this brave act. You are indeed a hero sir. Be proud.

MichaelMonahan, Maine (USA) (16/10/2006 at 22:12)

I think the war is a terrible mistake but very little notice has been given to the contributions and sacrifices made by British and Canadien forces in Afghanistan especially- most Americans think it 's just us ' Yanks' against Taliban and Al Queda- well here's one American who thanks the Brits for making the ultimate sacrifice in a fight that in many ways isn't their making...thank you so much

Steve Walker, Atlanta, Ga., USA (16/10/2006 at 22:28)

Without a doubt a hero to the end. Training doesn't usually mean under fire from someone trying to kill you. We salute you!

Toy Ace, Canada (16/10/2006 at 23:11)

A Purple Heart from the Americans wouldn't go amiss either.
Way to go, Sir.

Greg, Ohio, USA (16/10/2006 at 23:53)

Thank you Private McKinley!

M., Philadelphia, PA, USA (17/10/2006 at 00:26)

Thank you Pvt. McKinley.

TexasRainmaker, Texas, USA (17/10/2006 at 00:48)

Thank you, Private McKinley, for your bravery and service to your (and our) country! The world could use more men like you.

Dave Anderson, Canada (17/10/2006 at 00:58)

I hope this soldier gets the medal, this looks like above and beyond the call of duty.

This young man is a good example to society that there is plenty of class and charactor in the coming generation.

Michael Hinman, Warrensburg, MO, US (17/10/2006 at 01:09)

I am not a supporter of the war, but a supporter of our (and your troops.) Thank you Private McKinley and the other brave souls from our friends across the pond for helping us in our time of need. We appreciate it more than you could ever know.

Brian Crossman, Red Deer Alberta Canada (17/10/2006 at 01:14)

Keep up the good fight,
be brave! we are all wishing you the best here.

Levi Cazier, USA (17/10/2006 at 02:35)

I cannot express my gratitude to this amazing man. We love our service men and women and we pray from them constantly. It is heartwarming to know that God is answering our prayers in the form of Heros from across the pond.

God Bless the UK.

Todd, Charlotte, NC, USA (17/10/2006 at 02:44)

Thanks so much to Private McKinley for his bravery and aid to American soldiers. He is a true credit to the Paratrooper Regiment, the British Army, and the United Kingdom. I hope Manchester is proud of their son.

Clyde Wallace, USA (17/10/2006 at 02:46)

I would like to personally extend my thanks to Private Peter McKinley for his noble and selfless actions to protect an American servicemember. I am a retired military man and Private McKinley makes me proud to have such allies. All involved in this young man's life and training should be very proud they helped develop such an honorable professional troop. Thank you.

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