Each month in Army News this column will tell the story of a New Zealand soldier who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to do something significant which society admires and respects. These acts can generally be categorised under one or more of the Army’s values, Courage, Commitment, Comradeship or Integrity. The story of each individual will highlight one or more of these values which are represented by that individual’s action.  Many of these people are considered heroes and this is what the column celebrates, the Army’s heroes.

While there will be some familiar names, such as VC winners, appearing in the column, it is also intended that other less known figures will be featured. 

While not all soldiers will have the opportunity to perform actions like some of those told here, the stories should inspire all current and future soldiers to attempt to live up to the Army’s values.

Trooper Henry Coutts

Peter King, DSO, MC & Derek Rixon, DCM

William Ernest Cooksley, DCM, MM

Henry John Laurent, VC