Ed Oursien one of our readers often sends me stories that are not available on line. This is one about a brave and courageous Naval Medic who was serving in Afghanistan
Salute to Able Seaman
Kate Nesbitt, MC
Petite, but more than Able AB Kate Nesbitt of the Royal Navy saw a British soldier fall during a fire fight in Marjah District in Helmand Province , Afghanistan . Without a seconds delay she sprinted 70 yards under enemy fire, got to his side, began opening a new air way so that he could breathe. The enemy continued firing, bullets snapping past her. The soldier, a private from the First Rifles, of Number 3 Commando Brigade, had been hit in the flak jacket by a rifle bullet. It ricocheted, entered his throat and exited through his jaw. Without Kates intervention he would have choked to death, or eventually bled to death. She stayed with him under fire, working on his wound for 45 minutes while her comrades fought with the enemy shooters and finally flushed them out. Of it all she said later, I was really overwhelmed that they trusted me to do the job and never doubted me at all, thats what was important. I just did what Im sure everyone else would have done for me. AB Kate Nesbitt was very proud last week when HRH Prince Charles presented her with the Military Cross for bravery in an investiture service in Buckingham Palace .. She is the first woman in the Royal Navy and the second woman ever to receive the decoration. Standing just five feet tall it was necessary for Prince Charles to bend deeply to present and discuss the decoration and her exploits under fire in Afghanistan .. She was surrounded while waiting with other Military Cross by other recipients, all men and some among them tough, agile commandos who had been cited for the decoration for hand to hand combat under fire. Several were commissioned officers. Kate's mother and father were in the audience and she told reporters later, When it all happened (rescuing the soldier under fire) we were in the middle of an operation but I wouldnt in a million years have thought anyone would follow it up. It was the biggest shock when I got the news (about being recommended for the Military Cross). It made it all seem real being here today. It has been so special. When I looked over and saw my mum and dad in the audience, it was the proudest day of my life. The citation for her decoration reads, 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. So who says the front lines are no place for a woman, if thats where she chooses to be?
This young Medic stands out from the crowd. A brave Woman who put her own life on the line for one of her wounded Brothers in Arms, Well done, I salute you ! Medics of all NATO forces are a well respected hard working group, who save lives each and every day.
As for our troops keep up the great work and come home safe.
Remember Everyone Deployed
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
