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28/03/2011
Ballymena Medic To Receive Military Cross
A British Army medic from Ballymena, Co Antrim, has become only the fourth woman in history to be awarded the Military Cross after she put herself in "mortal danger" to treat a wounded Afghan soldier.
Lance Corporal Kylie Watson, 24, (pictured) has been hailed a "heroine" and a "shining example of what it is to be a soldier", by her local MP.
Ian Paisley Jr commented: "I would like to say how proud we are of her conduct. It is a huge significance for a member of the Army Medical Corps to receive this medal. I am truly thankful that she is well and her bravery is a shining example of what it is to be a soldier."
L/Cpl Watson was awarded the honour after she gave medical care to an Afghan soldier while under heavy Taliban fire for 20 minutes in an exposed area and will receive the award from the Queen later this year.
Her parents, Glen and Lorna Watson said they were very proud of their daughter and described her as "unbelievable."
Her father said: "I think she gets her courage from her mother. We're just very, very proud."
L/Cpl Watson is one of more than 130 servicemen and women commended for bravery in the latest military honours list.
Her citation reads: "Watson's immense courage, willingness to put her own life at risk and absolute bravery saved the life of one warrior and acted as an inspiration to her platoon and their Afghan National Army partners."
Their awards will be presented at a later date.
The announcement of the awards is tinged with sadness however, as it follows the news of the death of a Royal Irish Regiment (RIR) soldier in Afghanistan.
Co Down-born Lance Corporal Stephen McKee, 27, was in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province when his vehicle hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
The Stormont First Minister roundly praised L/Cpl McKee, from Banbridge, as a hero.
See: Tragic RIR Soldier From Banbridge
(JG/GK)
Lance Corporal Kylie Watson, 24, (pictured) has been hailed a "heroine" and a "shining example of what it is to be a soldier", by her local MP.
Ian Paisley Jr commented: "I would like to say how proud we are of her conduct. It is a huge significance for a member of the Army Medical Corps to receive this medal. I am truly thankful that she is well and her bravery is a shining example of what it is to be a soldier."
L/Cpl Watson was awarded the honour after she gave medical care to an Afghan soldier while under heavy Taliban fire for 20 minutes in an exposed area and will receive the award from the Queen later this year.
Her parents, Glen and Lorna Watson said they were very proud of their daughter and described her as "unbelievable."
Her father said: "I think she gets her courage from her mother. We're just very, very proud."
L/Cpl Watson is one of more than 130 servicemen and women commended for bravery in the latest military honours list.
Her citation reads: "Watson's immense courage, willingness to put her own life at risk and absolute bravery saved the life of one warrior and acted as an inspiration to her platoon and their Afghan National Army partners."
Their awards will be presented at a later date.
The announcement of the awards is tinged with sadness however, as it follows the news of the death of a Royal Irish Regiment (RIR) soldier in Afghanistan.
Co Down-born Lance Corporal Stephen McKee, 27, was in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province when his vehicle hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
The Stormont First Minister roundly praised L/Cpl McKee, from Banbridge, as a hero.
See: Tragic RIR Soldier From Banbridge
(JG/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
