Ramsgate Rifleman donates George Medal to regiment
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by Martin Jefferies
A Kent soldier blinded by an enemy bomb in Afghanistan has
emotionally donated his bravery medal to his battalion.
Rifleman Paul Jacobs, of 2nd Battalion The Rifles, was leading
his patrol through the country’s dangerous Helmand Province when an
improvised explosive device (IED) suddenly exploded.
The 21-year-old Ramsgate man suffered horrific injuries and lost
one of his fellow servicemen in the huge blast. Moments later,
another bomb was detonated, killing a second soldier.
Remarkably, he still had the presence of mind to drag himself
into an area where he knew his rescue would be much safer for
medics.
The Queen presented Rifleman Jacobs with the George Medal - the
second highest decoration that a civilian can receive - at a
special ceremony at Buckingham Palace yesterday.
He said he was "proud and honoured" to have received the
commendation, which he donated to the soldiers he fought alongside
in Afghanisation, as well as those who have lost their lives in the
conflict.
Rifleman Jacobs, who was initially treated at Selly Oak
Hospital, Birmingham, is now undergoing rehabilitation at St
Dunstan’s Centre, West Sussex, which provides support for visually
impaired ex-servicemen.
He has vowed to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity later this
year, after completing the London Marathon in April.
Thursday, June 03 2010
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