BRYAN JAMES BUDDParatrooper Bryan Budd, who died on 20 August, 2006, aged 29, was a true military hero who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for acts of "inspirational leadership and the greatest valour."Corporal Budd was serving with the 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan when he was killed in a gun battle with Taliban insurgents.During the fire-fight in which he was killed, Cpl Budd displayed immense courage by taking out an enemy position single-handedly whilst under heavy fire and suffering from gunshot wounds. It was his second act of outstanding valour in as many months.For these acts of incredible bravery, Cpl Budd was honoured with the Victoria Cross, which, with the George Cross, ranks as the highest UK award for gallantry. It was only the 13th award of the medal since the Second World War.Bryan James Budd was born in Belfast on 16 July, 1977. He was married to Lorena, a serving soldier in the Adjutant General's Corps.The couple, who lived in Ripon, North Yorkshire, had a two-year-old daughter, Isabelle, and another daughter, Imogen, born a month after her father's death.He enlisted into the Parachute Regiment in December, 1995, and subsequently passed the rigorous selection for 16 Air Assault Brigade's Pathfinder Platoon, an elite force specially trained to undertake long-range reconnaissance missions.During his time with the platoon he served on operational deployments to Sierra Leone, Yugoslavia, Macedonia, Afghanistan and Iraq. In May, 2002, he passed his section commander's battle course with distinction and was due to be promoted to platoon sergeant.Cpl Budd was a soldier's soldier – a qualified combat survival instructor, rock climber and free-fall parachutist. He was posted to the Army Foundation College in Harrogate in 2004, where he trained young soldiers.He joined A Company of 3 Para in June, 2006, and was soon deployed to Afghanistan. His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Tootal, described him as an "outstanding young man" who "had a calm and professional manner that inspired confidence in all who worked with him."At the end of July, 2006, Cpl Budd undertook an assault on a building under heavy enemy fire and at great personal risk. In so doing saved the life of saved the life of a wounded colleague.Cpl Budd's Victoria Cross citation praised his "conspicuous gallantry." It said: "His determination to press home a single-handed assault against a superior enemy force despite his wounds stands out as a premeditated act of inspirational leadership and supreme valour."His wife, Lorena, said: "He was a proud and passionate Parachute Regiment soldier and he was someone who was prepared to make the very highest sacrifice, doing the job he loved, with his comrades and friends in the regiment he loved."Cpl Budd was a hard working soldier and a consummate professional. A perfect role model for the younger soldiers in his unit, he had an engaging sense of humour and an ability to lighten even the darkest moments of war.Despite his commitment to the Army, his real passion was for his family to whom he was a devoted husband and father.Lt Col Tootal said: "Bryan was proud to call himself a Paratrooper and we were proud to stand beside him. One of the very best in all respects, he will be sadly missed by all his comrades in 3 PARA and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
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