Post by vgp on Apr 24, 2008 20:45:57 GMT 12
Apiata gifts Victoria Cross to SAS
Thursday, 24 April 2008
LATEST: Willie Apiata has gifted his Victoria Cross, awarded last year for heroism in dragging an SAS colleague to safety under heavy fire in Afghanistan, to the SAS.
Corporal Apiata was the first New Zealander to be awarded a VC - the supreme military award for valour - since World War 2, and it was announced today the medal would go to the New Zealand SAS Trust.
He received the VC for dragging an injured comrade 70 metres to safety under heavy enemy fire in Afghanistan while representing the SAS in April 2004.
He said today it was important the medal be protected for future generations.
"By gifting it to the NZSAS Trust, I know that my wishes will always be respected," he said.
Defence Force chief Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae said Cpl Apiata's actions reflected his nature.
"He is an unassuming, humble man who wants to ensure his mates and the wider New Zealand Defence Force can share his award."
The medal will be kept at the home of the SAS in Papakura, Auckland.
It will remain available to Cpl Apiata to wear and will also be available for his family members to wear in the future.
NZSAS Trust chairman Sir Wilson Whineray said the decision to gift the medal was "extraordinary" and the trust was pleased to accept responsibility for ensuring Cpl Apiata's wishes would always be adhered to.
Defence Minister Phil Goff today accepted the medal on behalf of New Zealand.
He said Cpl Apiata, 35, followed others before him such as World War 2 hero Charles Upham in crediting the winning of the medal to the shared efforts of his wider group of soldiers.
"His decision to donate his medal and not seek material reward from it is hugely generous. It ensures that his VC is protected for the future generations of New Zealanders. It can never be sold," Mr Goff said.
He said the medal could in the future go on public display at special events or ceremonies and such decisions would be made by the trust.
The trust was established in 2004 to focus on the welfare, resettlement, education and fundraising for those who have served with the SAS, and their families.
The Maori Party tonight praised Cpl Apiata's generosity in gifting the VC to the nation.
"His action in gifting his medal to future generations shows the enormous character of the man - a man who is always focused on the greater good," said party co-leader Pita Sharples.
-NZPA
Thursday, 24 April 2008
LATEST: Willie Apiata has gifted his Victoria Cross, awarded last year for heroism in dragging an SAS colleague to safety under heavy fire in Afghanistan, to the SAS.
Corporal Apiata was the first New Zealander to be awarded a VC - the supreme military award for valour - since World War 2, and it was announced today the medal would go to the New Zealand SAS Trust.
He received the VC for dragging an injured comrade 70 metres to safety under heavy enemy fire in Afghanistan while representing the SAS in April 2004.
He said today it was important the medal be protected for future generations.
"By gifting it to the NZSAS Trust, I know that my wishes will always be respected," he said.
Defence Force chief Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae said Cpl Apiata's actions reflected his nature.
"He is an unassuming, humble man who wants to ensure his mates and the wider New Zealand Defence Force can share his award."
The medal will be kept at the home of the SAS in Papakura, Auckland.
It will remain available to Cpl Apiata to wear and will also be available for his family members to wear in the future.
NZSAS Trust chairman Sir Wilson Whineray said the decision to gift the medal was "extraordinary" and the trust was pleased to accept responsibility for ensuring Cpl Apiata's wishes would always be adhered to.
Defence Minister Phil Goff today accepted the medal on behalf of New Zealand.
He said Cpl Apiata, 35, followed others before him such as World War 2 hero Charles Upham in crediting the winning of the medal to the shared efforts of his wider group of soldiers.
"His decision to donate his medal and not seek material reward from it is hugely generous. It ensures that his VC is protected for the future generations of New Zealanders. It can never be sold," Mr Goff said.
He said the medal could in the future go on public display at special events or ceremonies and such decisions would be made by the trust.
The trust was established in 2004 to focus on the welfare, resettlement, education and fundraising for those who have served with the SAS, and their families.
The Maori Party tonight praised Cpl Apiata's generosity in gifting the VC to the nation.
"His action in gifting his medal to future generations shows the enormous character of the man - a man who is always focused on the greater good," said party co-leader Pita Sharples.
-NZPA
;D
