Gallant Heroes Make History At Honours Ceremony

The first Bar to the George Medal to be awarded in 26 years is amongst a catalogue of prestigious honours given to brave British Armed Forces personnel.

A posthumous award to Warrant Office Class II Gary O'Donnell, who died in September last year whilst attempting to disarm an improvised explosive device, was announced in the presence of his widow Mrs Toni O'Donnell.

WO2 O'Donnell, who at the time of his death already held the George Medal for his work defusing bombs in Iraq, was recommended for the further honour in recognition of his remarkable actions in two separate incidents, in May and July 2008.

On both occasions WO2 O'Donnell - who during his last tour in Afghanistan disposed of more than 50 IEDs - placed himself in immense personal danger in order to protect his comrades.

Another historic moment in today's ceremony was the award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross to three members of the same regiment - the first time this has happened.

Acting Sergeant Alwyn Stevens, Corporal Robert McClurg and Lance Corporal Jon Toge, all members of the Royal Irish Regiment, demonstrated great personal courage whilst mentoring colleagues from the Afghan National Army in Helmand.

These recipients are amongst more than 100 brave service personnel to be included in Armed Forces Operational Awards List No.32, for the period April to September 2008. Those honoured include members of the British Army's 16 Air Assault Brigade and 4 Mechanised Brigade, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, as well as civilians. Acts of bravery in the operational theatres of Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as in the UK, are recognised.

At today's event the award recipients were congratulated by senior representatives of their services: Rear Admiral Simon Charlier from the Royal Navy, Lieutenant General Sir Graeme Lamb from the Army, and Air Vice Marshall Gregory Bagwell from the Royal Air Force.

(JM/BMcC)