War hero's irate letters for sale (Victoria Cross)

The Australian ^ | March 29, 2008 | Corrie Perkin

[naturalman1975]

SATURDAY, February 4, 1967, was a difficult day at the office for Major Peter Badcoe.

....

"When I said, 'Well, now you are done, let's get in there and clean it out', they still refused to go in ... All the advisers were ropeable. We called the Rgt Cmd (regimental commander) and the APC (armoured personnel carrier) commander cowards to their faces."

Two months later, Badcoe, 33, was killed by enemy fire in the Huong Tra District. The man who was scathing about the allied napalm attack on a central Vietnamese village, and who had dared to call his commanders cowards, remained loyal and committed to the end.

For his courage, Badcoe was awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest medal for bravery, when on February 23, 1967 he sprinted 600m across an area under enemy fire to ensure the safety of a wounded US medical adviser. He then led an attack on the machinegun emplacement, killing the gunners and recovering the body of another US adviser.

Badcoe also received the US Silver Star with Oak Leaf and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Gold Star and Silver Star.

[naturalman1975]

I have a letter from Major Badcoe myself - written to me on the death of my father. He was very kind to a little boy who had lost his world. I didn't know until reading this article that he also had a child about the same age as me.

[naturalman1975]

[knarf]

Sometimes you just say, "phuque you", an' do your job, and kill a bunch o' muthah phuqers.

Then you come home an' stay drunk and want a woman to love, but it's really to phuque, n' you say, "I'm sorry", but it doesnt REALLY mean anything .... n' ya' jus' keep on keepin' om.

[tanuki]

Thank you for posting the story of this incredible man. And sorry about your dad, I’m sure you’re doing a fine job filling his shoes.

[Harold Shea]

What a great story you posted,sorry you got to know
of the Major through your families tragedy though.

When I was in VN and guys went on R&R to Australia
everyone came back in love with your country and your
people.