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View Full Version : U.K. Kate Nesbitt , Military Cross,Afghanistan



bobdina
10-09-2009, 03:53 PM
The Military Cross (MC) is the third level military decoration awarded to officers and (since 1993) other ranks of the British Armed Forces and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries.

The MC is granted in recognition of "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land to all members, of any rank in Our Armed Forces…".[2] In 1979 the Queen approved a proposal that a number of awards including the Military Cross could in future be awarded posthumously


A Royal Navy Medical Assistant is to be awarded the Military Cross in recognition of her 'exemplary performance' on operations in Afghanistan.

Medical Assistant Kate Louise Nesbitt from Plymouth deployed to Afghanistan with 3 Commando Brigade and worked in close support with 'Charlie' Company of 1st Battalion The Rifles when she found herself under fire from the Taliban.

The Military Cross is awarded to individuals for 'gallantry during active operations against the enemy' and MA Nesbitt did just that.

Her citation reads:

"Nesbitt's actions throughout a series of offensive operations were exemplary; under fire and under pressure her commitment and courage were inspirational and made the difference between life and death. She performed in the highest traditions of her Service."

On hearing the news of her outstanding award Medical Assistant Nesbitt said:

"I am stunned to think someone has recommended me for this, I would have been over the moon with a good report."

MA Nesbitt joined the Royal Navy in 2005 and, after medical training, served at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone followed by a deployment on the Type 42 destroyer HMS Nottingham.

She is currently working in the Surgical Assessment Unit at the Military Hospital Unit Derriford.

For MA Nesbitt, service within the Navy runs in the family; her dad served in the Royal Marines for 22 years, her brother is serving at sea on HMS Ocean, and another brother is undergoing medical training with the Royal Marines.

The UK's Armed Forces are part of the 42-nation International Security Assistance Force fighting for and alongside the Afghan people to defeat the insurgency and establish security in areas contested by the Taliban.

Since deploying to Helmand in 2006 they have made significant progress by extending the areas that are free from Taliban control.

UK forces are committed to remain in Afghanistan until the Afghan National Security Forces are able to deliver security and stability.