IAN MCKAYSergeant Ian McKay of 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, received the Victoria Cross for the heroics which cost him his life in the Falklands on 12 June, 1982.During a dangerous night attack on an enemy battalion position on Mount Longdon in the east of East Falkland, Sgt McKay saw his platoon commander shot in the leg and so assumed command.Thinking quickly, he realised that it was essential for himself and a small group of soldiers to continue their attack against a strong enemy force if there was to be any chance of taking the position.He led a brave charge with three other men towards the enemy. Even when his colleagues fell wounded or killed, he carried on.His citation for the posthumous VC says: "Despite these losses, Sergeant McKay, with complete disregard for his own safety, continued to charge the enemy position alone. On reaching it he despatched the enemy with grenades, thereby relieving the position of beleaguered 4 and 5 Platoons, who were now able to redeploy with relative safety. Sergeant McKay, however, was killed at the moment of victory, his body falling on the bunker."Without doubt Sergeant McKay's action retrieved a most dangerous situation and was instrumental in ensuring the success of the attack. His was a coolly calculated act, the dangers of which must have been all too apparent to him beforehand. Undeterred he performed with outstanding selflessness, perseverance and courage."With a complete disregard for his own safety, he displayed courage and leadership of the highest order, and was an inspiration to all those around him."Ian McKay, from Wortley in South Yorkshire, was 29 when he died. He was buried in Aldershot Military Cemetery.
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