George Cross for hero who's already got a Victoria Cross (That's his girlfriend's name!)

by Babel-Fish | October 31, 2008 at 05:21 pm

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I salute this guy for quick thinking, unselfishness and for surviving and being so very lucky that a piece of shratnel especial the small rod that shoots out of the top of the grenade when it explodes did not penitrate the backback as it travels faster than a bullet. Soldiers curse the back back I know I use to and its glad to see there is another use for this heavy pack and good thinking Matthew, you really do deserve this award.

He claims to be the first person ever to hold both the George Cross and Victoria Cross.

One, Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher wears around his neck. The other he keeps close to his heart.

But as the Royal Marine was presented with the George Cross at Buckingham Palace on Thursday for his valour in Afghanistan, his girlfriend, Victoria Cross, was sadly absent.

Couple: Matt Croucher, who was presented with the George Cross for his bravery in Afghanistan, with his other Cross, girlfriend Victoria

The 24-year-old from Birmingham, who threw himself on an exploding grenade to save his comrades, said he was 'honoured' to receive the highest civil decoration from the Queen.

However, the marine from 40 Commando was a little disappointed not to have his girlfriend on his arm.

Unfortunately, Miss Cross, pictured here with her arms around the hero at a Spring ball to raise money for members of the armed services injured in recent conflicts, was not able to attend.

The 21-year-old student from Northamptonshire is currently in Australia as part of a marketing management course at Oxford Brookes University.

Hero: Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher received the George Cross today for throwing himself on a grenade to save his comrades

The couple, said to be smitten after meeting in a bar last December, have been the subject of much amusement amongst his unit.

A friend of the couple said: ‘Victoria is really proud of Matt and very disappointed that she couldn’t be there to see him receive his George Cross medal.

‘As a student she couldn’t justify the expense of flying home from Australia to go the ceremony.