Charles Upham was a Captain in the 20th BN, 2nd New Zealand Exped. Force who saw action in Europe and North Africa during WWII. He is considered the highest decorated Commonwealth soldier of the war. - He is one of only 3 people to receive the Victoria Cross twice - The only one to receive the VC twice in WWII -The first VC was awarded in 1941 during the Battle of Crete, where under intense machinegun fire, he single handedly cleared 3 enemy positions with his pistol and grenades; killing a large number of enemy. After the attack, he began carrying his wounded soldiers to safety. He was then sent to find and bring back a company which became isolated during the attack. Along with a corporal, they went 600 yards behind enemy lines, killed 2 germans in the process and brought the company back to friendly lines. Despite being wounded by shrapnel, shot in the foot, and suffering from dysentery, he managed to conduct more offensive operations, capturing key points and killing over 60+ Germans. - The second VC was awarded during the Battle of El Alamein. He was wounded once again and espite the injuries, he managed to destroy an entire truckload of Germans with hand grenades. He then moved on and destroyed a tank, several gun emplacements and vehicles; even though he was shot through the elbow and his arm was broken. The enemy launched a massive counter attack. His company held its position till it was reduced to only 6 survivors. Upham was eventually taken prisoner. - As a POW, Capt. he attempted several escapes to include jumping off a moving truck, jumping off of a moving train, and on one occasion, he tried to escape in broad daylight by climbing the fence. When a prison guard threatened to shoot him, Upham calmly ignored him and lit a cigarette. He was later transferred to Colditz Castle and remained there till the end of the war.
When the recommendation was made for a second VC, the King remarked to Major-General Kippenberger that a bar to the cross would be "very unusual indeed" and enquired firmly, "Does he deserve it?" Kippenberger replied, "In my respectful opinion, sir, Upham won the VC several times over.” #hero #hardfuck