Michelle Norris

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This article is about the British soldier. For the American journalist, see Michele Norris.

Lance Corporal[citation needed] Michelle Suzanne Claire Norris MC, RAMC, also known as "Chuck" Norris[1] is a British soldier and medic noted for heroism in the 2003 Iraq conflict. On June 11, 2006, whilst a private serving as a Medical Orderly attached to the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment,[1] she jumped out of her Warrior Patrol vehicle and climbed up the side of it to rescue the vehicle commander, Colour Sergeant Ian Page, who had been shot in the mouth, all while being heavily fired upon by snipers at night. One bullet hit her rucksack as she climbed the vehicle. She then helped drag the sergeant back into the vehicle while still being fired upon. Her commanding officer recommended that she receive a medal for her bravery, and the award of the Military Cross was gazetted[2] on 15 December 2006. She is the first woman to be awarded that decoration.[3] She received the decoration from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on 21 March 2007.[4]

Norris and Page were evacuated by a British Lynx helicopter, which was being flown by Major William Chesarek USMC (then a Captain) as the result of an officer exchange programme.[4] He was subsequently awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross as a result of his actions on this occasion, receiving the award at the same time Norris received her MC.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Bunyan, Nigel. "Big day for 5ft Army medic who won MC" (html), The Daily Telegraph, 2007-03-22. Retrieved on 2007-03-22. 
  2. ^ London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 58183, page 17359, 15 December 2006. Retrieved on 2007-11-11.
  3. ^ Wilkes, David. "Heroine teenage soldier to be decorated for bravery", Daily Mail, Associated Newspapers, 2006-08-10. ISSN 0307-7578. Retrieved on 2007-03-22. 
  4. ^ a b Glendinning, Lee. "Historic award for female private", The Guardian, Guardian Media Group, 2007-03-22, p. 8. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved on 2007-03-22. 
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