The Victoria Cross represents the pinnacle of honor in the UK military, representing bravery amidst the turmoil of battle. Unfortunately, many heroes do not live to receive this distinguished award, having made the ultimate sacrifice in the actions that earn them the honor. Corporal Bryan Budd met this tragic end, demonstrating exceptional courage during a bold assault on Taliban insurgents.
With only five days left until his expected return home, one might have thought Budd would be eagerly awaiting a reunion with his loved ones. Instead, his selfless actions prioritized the safety of his comrades over his own. Upholding the proud traditions of the British Parachute Regiment, this seasoned soldier fought with unwavering determination until his last breath.
These accounts evoke a blend of sorrow for the fallen and deep admiration for those who exhibit such extraordinary bravery among us.
Bryan Budd was a professional soldier
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Bryan Budd’s ambition to enlist as a soldier began at a young age. In 1996, he pursued this goal by enlisting in the Parachute Regiment, motivated by a deep-seated commitment to serve alongside elite units on the frontlines of conflict.
Driven by a determination to excel, Budd opted for a less traditional route, overcoming demanding tests to secure a place in the prestigious ranks of the 16 Air Assault Brigade’s Pathfinder Platoon. Tasked with critical reconnaissance missions in hostile territories, the Pathfinders forged the paths into combat zones. This important role enabled Budd to contribute to operations in various theaters, including the former Yugoslavia, Sierra Leone, Macedonia, Iraq and, ultimately, Afghanistan.
Increased Taliban activity in Helmand province
In 2006, Bryan Budd joined the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment (3 PARA), as part of a British task force sent to Helmand province, Afghanistan. During this time, the area was notorious for intense combat, particularly in Sangin, which became a primary battleground.
The Taliban, in response to the Western military presence, escalated their aggression and resilience. Previously engaging mainly from a distance, they now directly confronted troops to assert control over rural Afghanistan. For Budd’s final mission, this meant fighting in close quarters amidst cornfields.
His Victoria Cross citation describes an incident on July 27, 2006. Under heavy fire from militants positioned on a rooftop, Budd’s section had many wounded comrades needing evacuation. Recognizing that suppressive fire hindered rescue efforts, Budd courageously rose from cover, facing a hail of bullets as he charged toward the building.
Budd’s daring assault forced the Taliban to retreat across an open field, where they were met with the precise accuracy of British marksmen. His actions enabled the safe evacuation of his comrades and marked the first of two extraordinary acts of bravery.
Bryan Budd was just five days from home
While deployment dates can frequently change at the last minute, reports indicate that Bryan Budd was set to return home on August 25, 2006. On August 20, he was in Sangin, where his unit was defending a remote outpost. Due to its strategic position, it faced daily attacks from the Taliban and needed strong defense, which included regular patrols around the perimeter.
During one of these patrols, Budd was guiding his men through dense vegetation made up of tall corn. Despite the reduced visibility, he spotted a large group of Taliban fighters about 30 meters ahead. To maintain an advantage, Budd executed a flanking maneuver aimed at eliminating the enemy.
However, when the Taliban spotted the nearby mobile patrol, a fierce firefight broke out.
Taliban insurgents versus the British Parachute Regiment
With three of his men injured, Bryan Budd once more recognized the need to take charge and launched the attack alone. He dashed through the cornfield and confronted the enemy. Despite being wounded in the skirmish, he continued the assault, allowing his comrades to regroup under his cover.
His actions successfully silenced the Taliban fighters and ensured the wounded could be evacuated safely.
However, when his unit withdrew, Budd was nowhere to be found. Initially reported as missing in action (MIA), a rapid response team was assembled to search for him. As they scoured the dense vegetation with air support holding off the Taliban, Budd’s body was discovered in the field alongside three dead insurgents.
Bryan Budd met a tragic end
For his actions on August 20, 2006 and a few days prior, Bryan Budd was awarded the Victoria Cross. He was one of less than 20 to receive the honor since the end of the Second World War. A subsequent examination might have proven that the fatal shot came from a 5.56 mm NATO weapon, which indicated friendly fire. However, that only occurred because he saw fit to close in and destroy the enemy.
On not one, but two occasions, Budd deemed it advisable to launch a counterattack and gift violence to the enemy, rather than receive it. An unexpected counterattack disrupts enemy momentum, but often at a great cost to those who pursue it. Budd will rest in the hall of history that recognizes him as a warrior who understood that battle is fought one moment at a time, with little disregard for when you might be going home.
More from us: James Ashworth: The Victoria Cross Recipient Who Gave His Life to Take Out An Enemy Sniper
If it’s indeed the case that Bryan Budd would have returned home with his family in just five days, then history owes him the recognition for conducting such a feat and sacrificing his life for his comrades.
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