British hero in Iraq

American Thinker ^ | 3/25/06 | Vasko Kohlmayer

[Valin]

Two days ago captain Pete Norton, 43, was awarded the George Cross, Britain’s top award for heroism.

On July 24 of last year, Mr. Norton was called to the scene of a roadside bomb ambush which had targeted a US convoy killing four American soldiers. According to the account in the U.K. Sun, on his arrival at the scene Mr. Norton, a bomb disposal expert, ordered

his own team and the US troops back to their vehicles while he went forward alone. Within seconds, he had stepped on a pressure pad that detonated another huge blast from two 155mm artillery shells strapped together. The explosion catapulted him 15ft through the air, shattered his left arm and left leg – but incredibly left him still conscious and lucid. Realising there were almost certainly more boobytraps in the area, Pete refused first aid from comrades. Instead he commanded the bomb hunt, issuing orders about where to look and where it was safe to stand. His instructions led to the discovery of a third hidden bomb just six yards from where he was lying.

Mr. Norton lost his left leg above the knee and his left arm below the elbow. Even though his selfless action almost certainly saved lives, Mr. Norton, a father of two, said ‘I wasn’t brave – I was just doing my job.’

There are many heroes in Iraq, but the media willfully ignore them. Instead, they portray our troops as thugs and try to create a scandal every time a few terrorists get slapped around. The constant whining and moaning of these neurotic dupes is in glaring contrast with the valor and courage of our soldiers. One can only hope that the disconnect will not be lost on the public.

Mr. Norton’s is an inspirational story and he is a true hero. It is heartening to learn that there are still people like this among us. Few of us are brave or strong enough to ever do something like this, a humbling realization which should only increase the measure of our gratitude. It is on our military and dedicated individuals like Mr. Norton that our security ultimately depends. We can never thank them enough.

[Bahbah]

Thanks for just "doing your job", Mr. Norton. It is a job that requires tremendous courage. You've earned whatever honor comes to you for it.

[ryan71]

Pure guts.

[tsmith130]

With each and every story like this that I read, my level of hatred for the MSM increases exponentially. GRRRRRRR! The humility of these soldiers is unbelievable!

[mewzilla]

Here's a link to a story in one of the British papers, with a wonderful picture of the captain and his wife.

God bless you, Capt. Norton.

[SandRat]

British National Anthem ~ God Save the Queen

[Valin]

Speaking from his wheelchair, he said: “I remember everything about it — stepping on the plate, flying through the air and lying on the ground. My first thought was, ‘Oh bugger’.

Thanks. I suspect he used a word a bit stronger.

[Liberty Valance]

God Bless the Heroes. Thank you Capt. Norton.

[Tribune7]

ping

[csvset]

Bump

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[csvset]

Royal Logistic Corps flag.

[StarCMC]

Thanks for this post Valin and for the ping Sandrat!!

[Churchillspirit]

Oh, you did it again, SandRat.

A lump in my throat even before breakfast!

What a story. Too bad the MSM does not report tales of the bravery of so many US and UK forces.

God bless you, Capt. Norton and all the other brave men and women in uniform serving their countries.

[xarmydog]

Methinks he knew he had stepped on the pad bfore ordereing the troops back.He,I believe.was fully aware of what was about to happen.I am amazed at how long he was concious,let alone being lucid enough to still command,and save more soldiers.A hearty salute to a fine soldier.

[jpsb]

Bump, brave man.

[prognostigaator]

bttt

[Majie Purple]

Thought you'd want to see this... ping!

[Calpernia]

On July 24 of last year, Mr. Norton was called to the scene of a roadside bomb ambush which had targeted a US convoy killing four American soldiers. According to the account in the U.K. Sun, on his arrival at the scene Mr. Norton, a bomb disposal expert, ordered his own team and the US troops back to their vehicles while he went forward alone. Within seconds, he had stepped on a pressure pad that detonated another huge blast from two 155mm artillery shells strapped together. The explosion catapulted him 15ft through the air, shattered his left arm and left leg – but incredibly left him still conscious and lucid.

Realising there were almost certainly more boobytraps in the area, Pete refused first aid from comrades. Instead he commanded the bomb hunt, issuing orders about where to look and where it was safe to stand. His instructions led to the discovery of a third hidden bomb just six yards from where he was lying.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank God for this hero!