NZDF celebrates Victoria Cross recipient

02 July 2007

On Monday 02 July 2007 Prime Minister Helen Clark announced that the highest award for bravery, the Victoria Cross for New Zealand, would be awarded to Corporal Bill (Willie) Apiata, pictured.

The New Zealand Defence Force is extremely proud of Corporal Apiata, who, while on operations with the NZDF in Afghanistan, rescued a critically injured soldier in total disregard for his own life. Under heavy fire, he carried his wounded comrade to a safe location where the injured man received life-saving medical attention. Corporal Apiata then re-armed himself and joined the counter-attack which eventually saw the attacking forces repelled. This is the first Victoria Cross to be awarded to a New Zealander since WWII.

Click here for further information about Corporal Apiata and the Victoria Cross.

Images of Corporal Apiata can be viewed at the Image Gallery.

The NZDF encourages you to send a personal message to Corporal Apiata by following the link at the New Zealand Army website.

Send a message to CPL Apiata

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