Comments on: Kiwi Snake-eater Gets Highest Honor

By: blobby

blobby — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 07:17:58 +0000

In answer to groovylady who wnated to know who the Kiwi WW2 VCs were here is a wikipedia link to them
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:New_Zealand_World_War_II_Victoria_Cross_recipients
One of the Kiwis, Capt Charles Upham is the only fighting soldier to receive the VC twice. Two British medics in WW1 also received the VC twice.

By: James PSD

James PSD — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:46:45 +0000

Hey Bro, “well done” is all i can say, putting all the history aside you did what had to be done.….…you get to see so called cpl D at the bar every pay day thursday bro and i bet its his shout. To much bro represent!! SALUTE!
From a brother on the ground.

By: GeorgePlunkett

GeorgePlunkett — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:17:16 +0000

Small country — big men…

By: Pappy Patchin

Pappy Patchin — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:59:06 +0000

Read the headline. First KIWI since World War Two. Kiwi is the nickname for New Zealanders. They are not British nor Australian. Note that in any of the PC BS research referred to there is no mention of a New Zealander being awarded the Victoria Cross. Go back to the headline, read it slowly, ask an adult for assistance with the big words and concepts. Do not throw your insipid thoughts of what you believe the headline should have read. Be proud the actions of this brave man from a small country. (161 Btry RNZA 1965–1966 was assigned to 173d Airborne Brigade) UBIQUE!

By: Archie

Archie — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:03:32 +0000

Cpl. Apiata, As am ex-Vietnam Vet, I honor your courage and devotion to your comarades. Your actions under fire typify the historical fighting abilities and commitment of the New Zealand armed
forces as well as those of your fellow comrades,
the Australian and British armed forces. I pray
for the safety of all of you and as an American,
you have my unwavering gratitude for your service and your friendship to our country.
May the Good Lord be with all of you.

By: weareangels

weareangels — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 13:06:37 +0000

Gallantry and valor in combat and otherwise is expected from all military personnel. Recognizing this valor and gallantry is a tribute to the heroes and the unsung heroes. I saved a returned Vietnam Veteran of the Australian Commonwealth Forces in the outback. Tasmanian. West Australian Dept of Mines , Water Drilling rigs. This is before joining the Marines. At Cherry Point , a prima donna officer once got me alone and told me i was inferior. That i was pusillanimous. That i was inferior and he was my superior. I wondered why he was even in the Marine Corps and if so why i wasn’t the officer and he was my subordinate. He was an educated idiot. The Corps got rid of him career wise after a Med cruise. Guess he bullied one too many already disciplined squared away Marines. i had Boy Scout training and training from the Australian Army Cadets. Many of us exercise our duty quietly. Many are called. Few are chosen. To witness any breach of security during my time with DOD was very upsetting. To even witness a preventable 911 was upsetting. How low can you go ? Hopefully we are at a wake up and a shake up to defend our country. Kudos to Cpl Apiata. May his bloodline inherit freedom and military service. God bless The Queen , HRH Queen Elizabeth II , The Commonwealth , her allies and every man jack service member. Cheers. Love our Australian New Zealand Forces. Servio. one of my last saves was a U.S. Army Reserve Colonel in Washington D.C. early 90’s. i couldn’t live with myself not to defend him. i and many Americans have a deep empathy for our military people. Please return home safely. Semper Fi

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 08:26:01 +0000

“Bugger the detail…the act’s the thing! I salute you Corporal Apiata!“
I couldn’t agree more.
A Victoria Cross is awarded for
”…pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice.…in the presence of the enemy.“
To carry a wounded comrade to safety under enemy fire — after getting blown to the ground by a grenade himself, mark you — is as close to a perfect description of such an act as I can imagine.
“Officially 14 VC’s have been awarded since WW2“
Which is few enough — but to add additional perspective: the Corporal is, in his credit, only the second man to survive an action awarded the decoration in the last forty years.

By: Mick Dunne

Mick Dunne — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 01:28:49 +0000

Bugger the detail…the act’s the thing! I salute you Corporal Apiata!

By: Wayne Phelps

Wayne Phelps — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 01:17:07 +0000

A rescue of a fellow “Comrade in Arms” under extreme combat conditions:
“No greater love than to lay down one’s life for another”. This Gospel passage (not an exact quote)
says it all.
I am a retired US Naval Officer(Lt Commander
\USN\Retired)with 21 years active duty. I was enlisted 8 years (attained HM2 or E-5 under 4 years before my 2nd enlistment for 6 years to attend duty under instruction: Fl. State University, commissioned officer for 13 years (attained rank of Lt. Commander).
I am a Cold War, Vietnam Era and Gulf War Veteran.
I honour greatly men like this fine Cpl. of the NZ Army. I do so because I am fully aware of what insanity combat can be. To do such an act under such conditions is deserving of such an award. To be that commanding, decisive and concerned for the welfare of his mates in such a situation reflects this man as having core values and character that are more than the result of his dedication, professionalisn and obvious great leadership. Combined with training that was obviously superb, this man’s greatness in many of the areas most men only strive for, or hope to attain resulted in saving lives, the most important and valuable reality we posess.
I pray this man has a life that gives him the opportunity to be fully human in a world that has little heart for the individual. His actions reflect the kind of training and values that are what I personally looked for in my mentors when “coming up”.
To this fine Cpl.: I salute you and wish you God’s speed, a “fair wind and following sea” in all that you do.
Lt. Commander Wayne Phelps, US Navy Retired (1/71–
8/91.

By: GroovyLady

GroovyLady — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:44:55 +0000

Who were the New Zealanders (Kiwis) to have been awarded the VC in WWII?