Share

private johnson beharry.

while we’re constantly inundated with news of exploding people and mass graves, private beharry’s story is one for the ages.

on 1 May 2004, beharry was driving a warrior tracked armoured vehicle when it was hit by multiple rocket propelled grenades injuring the platoon commander, the vehicle’s gunner and a number of other soldiers. beharry drove through the ambush, taking his own crew and leading five other warriors to safety. he then extracted his wounded colleagues from the vehicle, all the time exposed to further enemy fire.

he then went back on duty on 11 June 2004.

beharry was again driving the lead warrior vehicle of his platoon when his vehicle was ambushed again by a rocket propelled grenade causing serious head injuries. more rockets hit the vehicle incapacitating his commander and injuring several of the crew. beharry again despite his very serious injuries, took control of his vehicle and drove it out of the ambush area before losing consciousness. He required brain surgery for his head injuries.

he received britain’s highest medal of honor, the victoria cross, and was the first living soldier to receive it since 1969.

he suggested on at least one occasion that he would return to military service if physically able.

“maybe i was brave, i don’t know. at the time i was just doing the job, i didn’t have time for other thoughts.”

simply amazing.