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RIR soldiers honoured for service RIR soldiers honoured for service
(about 1 hour later)
Three soldiers from the Royal Irish Regiment have been awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.Three soldiers from the Royal Irish Regiment have been awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.
It is the first time the honour has been awarded to three members of the same regiment.It is the first time the honour has been awarded to three members of the same regiment.
Corporal Robert McClurg, from Portavogie, Acting Sergeant Alwyn Stevens and Lance Corporal Jon Toge were among 18 RIR soldiers honoured.Corporal Robert McClurg, from Portavogie, Acting Sergeant Alwyn Stevens and Lance Corporal Jon Toge were among 18 RIR soldiers honoured.
The men were given the awards, in part, for their work mentoring the Afghan National Army in Helmand.The men were given the awards, in part, for their work mentoring the Afghan National Army in Helmand.
Corporal McClurg's medal honoured him for his leadership and "great personal courage, repeatedly salvaging deteriorating situations" which could have led to the loss of life.Corporal McClurg's medal honoured him for his leadership and "great personal courage, repeatedly salvaging deteriorating situations" which could have led to the loss of life.
Acting Sergeant Stevens was said to have displayed "extraordinary courage, personally engaging and neutralizing several enemy".Acting Sergeant Stevens was said to have displayed "extraordinary courage, personally engaging and neutralizing several enemy".
Lance Corporal Toge took command of his team after his commander was incapacitated and "personally extracted four injured soldiers from a killing area".Lance Corporal Toge took command of his team after his commander was incapacitated and "personally extracted four injured soldiers from a killing area".
It's an extraordinary achievement which recognises the valour, the courage and the application of intelligent force alongside their Afghan counterparts Lt Col Ed Freeley
Military Crosses were awarded to two RIR soldiers.Military Crosses were awarded to two RIR soldiers.
Ranger Alan Owens, from Portadown, was also honoured for his work mentoring the Afghan National Army and for developing "a level of empathy with the local population which no amount of fighting could establish".Ranger Alan Owens, from Portadown, was also honoured for his work mentoring the Afghan National Army and for developing "a level of empathy with the local population which no amount of fighting could establish".
Captain Graham Rainey, from Bangor, "ensured that only enemy were neutralised and achieved extraordinary respect amongst the Afghan National Army and his own team".Captain Graham Rainey, from Bangor, "ensured that only enemy were neutralised and achieved extraordinary respect amongst the Afghan National Army and his own team".
Lt Col Ed Freeley, Commanding Officer of the First Battalion of the Royal Irish, said it was a great honour for the regiment.
"It's an extraordinary achievement which recognises the valour, the courage and the application of intelligent force alongside their Afghan counterparts."
More than 100 service personnel were honoured on Friday.More than 100 service personnel were honoured on Friday.