Britain's newest hero is a Nepali.
Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday awarded Britain's second-highest award for bravery, the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, to Acting Sgt. Dipprasad Pun of the Royal Gurkha Rifles.
While stationed as a lone sentry at a checkpoint in Afghanistan's Helmand province on September 17, Pun fended off an attack by up to 30 Taliban fighters.
"There were many Taliban around me," Pun said in an interview with British Forces News. "I thought they are definitely going to kill me. ... I thought before they kill me I have to kill some of them."
During the 15-minute battle, Pun fired more than 400 rounds of ammunition, detonated 17 grenades and a mine and even threw his gun tripod at a Taliban fighter climbing toward his position, according to British Forces News.
"He was just about to climb up there and I hit (him) with my tripod and he fell down again," Pun told British Forces News.
Pun's actions saved the lives of three fellow soldiers at the checkpoint and were the "bravest seen in his battalion over two hard tours in Afghanistan," according to his medal citation.
Pun was not wounded in the firefight.
“That he survived unscathed is simply incredible," his medal citation says. “Throughout Dip’s actions he was under almost constant intense fire. Dip’s courage and gallantry were simply astonishing."
Pun, 31, joined the British military in 2000 and also has served in Bosnia and Kosovo.
Like other Gurkhas, Pun is from Nepal. The Gurkhas were incorporated into British forces after their fighting skill impressed the opposition British during the Nepal Wars of 1814 to 1816. As part of the peace treaty ending that conflict, Gurkhas were admitted into East India Company's army and then into the British military.
Gurkhas recruited solely in Nepal remain Nepalese citizens during their service. Gurkha unit officers are British.
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Love Gurkhas, the bravest, most fierce!! They're our Nepali pride.
Well ! Every human is afraid... has fears... but the brave are able to transcend that fear in times of need and act decisively...and that makes all the difference. For the record, it was for exemplary show of the art of warfare and valour that the British erected a memorial for their enemy Bal Bhadra and his fellow soldiers at Nalapani (also called the 'graveyard of generals' Anglo- Gurkha War 1814-15).It was also the fact that 200 Gorkha soldiers had successfully fought and defeated 2000 native soldiers during that same war that led General Octerlony to ask for Gorkha recruitment in the British forces. What then ! Not everything seems to change with time...
The following time I read a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I imply, I know it was my option to read, but I truly thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you could possibly fix for those who werent too busy on the lookout for attention.
They are wonderful people the Gurkha's. They know the true meaning of courage and loyalty. You cannot help but love them.
Um, you're obviously lost. This isn't the Casey Anthony article.
Why dont you use the "REPLY" link so everyone knows who you are responding to?
she nice
What, aside from the three other guys at the checkpoint with him? There were probably bodies from the attackers as well. You're not very bright, are you?
Translation: "I'm jealous because in the same situation I'd urinate profusely and run away. Since I feel bad about my negative feelings, I'll pretend I'm important enough to demand proof."
Fixed.
Had to sign in to compliment the two responders to the dolt who demanded proof. Well done!
What a loser you are. Pathetic
I think you meant like this ha ha
Who?
Uh...shouldn't you do the same?
Who are you talking too? Can't tell since you didn't click Reply