We are honoured to be entrusted with these VCs and GCs from the Lord Ashcroft Medal Collection. These medals, and the individual acts of extraordinary bravery and valour they represent, form a powerful part of the Army's story.
Michael H. Ollis: Killed by a suicide bomber. The NYC native was under direct enemy attack involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide vests and indirect fire at the base when he ordered his fellow soldiers to move from a building to bunkers for protection. When his team was safe, he reentered the building and checked for casualties before moving toward the enemy force that was penetrating the base.
Garcia, 26, has also been given the same bravery award and said it was an honour and "a reminder that what I did was something good." "It brings me so much peace that I was told that without me helping her float and carrying her, she wouldn't have survived." He added that finding out Olubunmi-Adewole had not survived was one of the worst moments of his life and he was pleased the younger man had been recognised posthumously.
In the skies over Korea in 1952, Royce was in the dogfight of a lifetime, a legendary dogfight. Flying through blizzard conditions, his squadron was ambushed by seven Soviet fighter planes. Despite being outnumbered, Williams took down four of the jet fighters as his plane was hit more than 260 times and he was severely injured.
"These five soldiers, in their separate moments of supreme testing, summoned a degree of courage that stirs wonder and respect and an overpowering pride in all of us," he continued. "Through their spectacular courage, they set themselves apart in a very select company. They represent the contribution of more than half a million young Americans to a world of order and of peace."
Observed on February 22, George Washington's birthday, Presidents' Day became a holiday in 1885. In 1971, the day evolved to recognize all presidents, namely Abraham Lincoln, who was born on February 12. Still a federal holiday 140 years later, Presidents' Day is a time to reflect on the nation's leaders, who have shaped life for its citizens and affected the world in immeasurable ways-for better or worse.