Commanding Officer's Coin - Courage Award

[Gerrycc943]

Hi,

From my local rag: "A Young Soldier from the Para Regt who killed at least two taliban, in Helmand, whilst saving four of his wounded pals has received a bravery award. The Pte from Leicester received a "Commanding Officer's Coin" - a new award for courage.

This is the first I have heard of this new award, any elaboration as to what exactly the award equates to?

[kevjames84]

the coins have been issued by US commanding officers for years, mainly navy and marine corps, but i'v never known them to be issued to Brit troops, maybe an unofficial Para Reg thing.

[Gwyn Nicholas]

Call me cynical, but that sort of courage is QGM, MM, bordering on VC, I hope this is as well as and not "instead of" because of cut backs. Surely I am being far too cynical.....or am I.

[idris thomas]

http://damontucker.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/dscn4766.jpg?w=468&h=351 (http://damontucker.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/dscn4766.jpg)
I remembered from the USS Chung Hoon tour that I took, that most Commanders have “Coins” made that they give to dignitaries… So of course when no was looking… I asked the Commander if he had a coin… And HE TOOK OUT THE ONLY ONE THAT HE HAD IN HIS DESK… Folded it up in his hands… then shook my hand… and the next thing I knew… I was the only member of this trip that received a Commanding Officers Coin!
http://damontucker.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/coin4.jpg?w=412&h=406 (http://damontucker.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/coin4.jpg)
[/URL][URL="http://damontucker.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/coin5.jpg"]http://damontucker.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/coin5.jpg?w=416&h=400 (http://damontucker.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/coin4.jpg)
Commanding Officer Norton then presented us all with a certificate recognizing us as Honary Naval Aviators as well as a nice picture of the ship (top picture) as well as a picture of him with us.

[idris thomas]

Must point out this is an American story of the internet.