Last Friday saw the release of the most recent Operational Honours and Awards List* which recognises the bravery, commitment, leadership and commendable service of those within the military.
An array of awards have been received by personnel who went ‘above and beyond’ for the country, providing an outstanding service through acts of courage and dedication while on operations. Included in this list are two soldiers and two officers of The Royal Logistic Corps.
Photographer: WO2 Steve Blake RLC
Major Kerry Schultz (27 Regiment RLC) received the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service for her efforts throughout her United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) tour, during which she shone as the Chief Military Observation and Liaison Officer (MOLO) and Deputy Commander of 238 personnel in the UK’s Sector 2 – appointments usually assigned to two officers.
Working with armed opposing forces, she ensured the tension between the two sides remained low to prevent a recurrence of fighting and used the utmost diplomacy to liaise and best influence Commanders.
Her citation states: “The scale of Major Schultz’s contribution cannot be underestimated…her ability to achieve so much under a great deal of pressure has been truly remarkable. For her standout devotion to duty, commitment to the UNFICYP Mission and brilliance as a British Army officer in a multinational environment, she is the most deserving of national recognition.”
Photographer: WO2 Steve Blake RLC
Captain Karl Williams (27 Regiment RLC) was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery for his heroic actions when apprehending an individual with a firearm who was threatening the lives of others during an off-duty shopping trip in April 2019.
Captain Williams heard screaming nearby and upon investigation, observed a highly agitated man brandishing a firearm towards a crowd of civilians. He decided to calmly observe from a distance and engage the aggressor as he began to back away from the crowd. When the aggressor stopped to reach into his bag, Williams seized the opportunity to apprehend him, taking the aggressor to the ground, disarming and restraining him.
His citation explains: “The quick thinking and selfless commitment demonstrated by Captain Williams was truly remarkable and inspirational. For acting so impressively in the face of danger, and with complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Williams exemplifies the standards of the British Army to the highest degree; he is unequivocally deserving of formal and public recognition for his bravery.”
From 11 EOD & Search Regiment RLC, Warrant Officer Class 2 Ben Wright was also awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service and Staff Sergeant Steven Cockburn received the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery, both of whom showed outstanding service during bomb disposal duties.
Congratulations to all 13 soldiers and officers who received awards for their outstanding service.
*Armed Forces Operational Awards List Number 54 was published in the London Gazette on 27 November 2020. It includes awards in respect of worldwide operations for the period from 1 October 2019 – 31 March 2020.
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The Royal Logistic Corps