Private Mahoney

[The Year Of The Fox]

Private mahoney has won an award for killing two taliban whilst saving four shot comrades.

"Private Mahoney, 21, of the Paras returned fire in Helmand despite bullets hitting his own BACKPACK."

"Aaron of LEICESTER received a Commanding Officers Coin- a new award for courage.

Well done mate, Leicester, England, British Army.

BE THE BEST

[FoxyPV]

for doing his job.

[Guest Bilo]

A hero soldier who killed at least two Taliban fighters in a gun battle has received a medal.

Private Aaron Mahoney is one of the first soldiers to receive a Commanding Officer's Coin – a new award for bravery.

Aaron, 21, of Beaumont Leys, Leicester, was serving in Afghanistan with 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment.

During an assault on a Taliban stronghold in Dactran, Helmand, on December 30 last year, enemy forces opened fire, hitting comrades standing behind Aaron.

Several groups of soldiers had moved in on an enemy compound but the plan suffered a setback when a sergeant major dislocated his knee in an accident.

While much of the attacking force moved away from the enemy compound to help with an evacuation, Aaron and his colleagues found themselves under fire.

Aaron said: "We were in a tree line and they opened up on us from about 200m.

"The bullets were pinging at our feet and four men behind me were shot.

"I can't understand how but all the bullets missed me, although I had holes in my pack.

"I returned fire and I got him."

Aaron kept firing to protect his wounded comrades until they had retired safely and in the process killed at least one more enemy fighter.

In the award citation, 2 Para's commander, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Harrison, said: "Pte Mahoney's conduct not only saved the lives of those wounded members but prevented further casualties being taken.

"He is a credit to the regiment."

An American helicopter sent to help collect the injured soldiers confirmed Aaron had killed two enemy fighters, although he believes he downed more .

He said: "I heard there were 17 killed over the day.

"I'd like to say I got all of them but I know it was at least two, probably more."

In total, five British soldiers were hit. Aaron said: "The worst was a Para next to me called Fitzy, who took two bullets in his leg and one in his arm.

"But with the medical stuff they've got over there at Camp Bastion there's no better place to get shot.

"Having five casualties in one fight like that is unusual, though.

"It felt surreal. It shouldn't have happened but I think it was just bad luck."

Last week, at the end of the 2 Para tour in Afghanistan, Aaron was presented with his coin.

He said: "They got the whole battalion together and there were four or five of us who got the coins, which are the first to be given out. It was great to get it."

Aaron has won medals and awards in the past.

In 2006, when he was a cadet, he received the Adam Morris Memorial Trophy – named after the Hugglescote soldier killed in action earlier that year and handed out to top cadets.

The following year, he received an award for graduating top of his class after a 42-week course at the Army Foundation College, in Yorkshire.

Aaron's grandfather, Raymond Linnett, 78, of New Parks, Leicester, said the whole family was proud of him.

He said: "I was over the moon when I found out. We've always been proud of him.

"He's the first in the family to be in the military.

"I've been bragging about it to everyone I meet."

Never fvck with a lad from Beaumont Leys is the lesson.

Hats off to the bloke.

[Iwan is a Welshman]

[The Year Of The Fox]

Didn't know he went to the AFC. I went there.

Being a credit to a regiment is one thing, but being a credit to the parachute regiment speaks volumes.

I've never been prouder at a game when at half time at our mullering at forest those squaddies done their lap of honour. It was amazing to see football put aside between the two sets of fans for 10 mins to give the squaddies what they deserved.

I really hope leicester do it with the Royal Anglians or whatever their name is now

[Dr The Singh]

I thought this thread was about Private Mahoney of the Police Academy, as in Police Academy movies!!

Either way, well done Mahoney!!!

[StanSP]

I thought this thread was about Private Mahoney of the Police Academy, as in Police Academy movies!!

Either way, well done Mahoney!!!

Same!

Anyway, to the Leicester lad. Deserves every praise he gets.

[Zingari]

well done

"Commanding Officer's Coin" sounds a bit condescending to me though .

I can picture something like an old general Melchett giving one to a Baldrick like character while saying , " well done young Tommy , here's a coin for your trouble , now run along "

[General Smuts]

Heard about this the other day and it only clicked that it was someone i knew. Worked for my dad and was taught by me mam.

[MikeyT]

I thought this thread was about Private Mahoney of the Police Academy, as in Police Academy movies!!

Either way, well done Mahoney!!!

Haha same here.

Well done to Private Mahoney! brilliant job mate. :thumbsup:

[Leicester Lass]

Heard about this the other day and it only clicked that it was someone i knew. Worked for my dad and was taught by me mam.

Well done to him.

He was in my year at school. Also means your mum must have taught me too, English?