This is a real brave incident in modern history. Though i am not a british and i dont support war of any form but bravery in whatever form it comes must be applauded and celebrated. Here the brave marine has saved the lives of his patrol team while putting his life at risk. That was a real heroic Moment.

Vinay Sharma, Punjab, India

I do hope the MOD get their fingers out on this one.L/Cpl Croucher clearly deserves a VC for his courage.However as a former serviceman I know how mean the Government are with decorations,unless you are a senior officer or civil servant of course.

Peter Jones, Birmingham, UK

This reminds me very much of the similar act of bravery shown by Ulster boy Private Billy McFadzean VC.
But as UKboy from Belfast noted, such a pity the Times cannot say the UK's highest honour, rather than Britain's. Do not forget Ulster's loyalty and sacrifice.

This citation appeared in the London Gazette on 9th September 1916.
For Most conspicuous bravery: On 1 July 1916, near Thiepval Wood, France, in a concentration trench, a box of bombs being opened for distribution prior to an attack slipped down into the trench, which was crowded with men, and two of the safety pins fell out. Private McFadzean, instantly realizing the danger to his comrades, with heroic courage threw himself on the top of the bombs, which exploded, blowing him to pieces, but only one other man was injured. He well knew the danger, being himself a bomber, but without a moments hesitation he gave his life for his comrades.

Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Reg Kearns, Londonderry, UK

Some politicians, PMs should take lessons on responsibility from this guy.
ps: where can I get a backpack like this?

boda, brighton, uk

Yesterday evening on the news,in Australia there was a long story about how British youth were the worst by far in Europe(crime, violence, drugs,pregnancy rates etc.,)
Here at least is one young man who demonstrates there is some of the `bulldog breed' still remaining.

Stan, Adelaide, South Australia

The institution of the Victoria Cross was meant for such an act of bravery

james hazan, huddersfield, U.K

Throughout recent military history, VC's have been cited for sustained bravery, usually under fire. There's a major difference between a single thought and action (ie jumping on a grenade) vs sustained threat/exposure to probable death to continue a mission objective.

Military Medal for bravery. A VC award would be a piece of propaganda.

Davo, Sydney, Australia

This is the citation of CSM J Osborn of the Winnipeg Grenadiers. Very similar situation wouldn't you think?

Well done Lance Corporal Matt Croucher, you appear to be one of the few...

Citation: The citation in the London Gazette of 1st April, 1946 :
At Hong Kong, on 19th December, 1941, a company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers became divided in an attack on Mount Butler. A part of the company led by C.S.M. Osborn captured the hill at bayonet point, but after three hours owing to the superior numbers of the enemy the position became untenable. C.S.M. Osborn and a small group covered the withdrawal and when their turn came to fall back he single-handed engaged the enemy, exposing himself to heavy enemy fire to cover their retirement. Later the Company was cut off and completely surrounded. Several enemy grenades were thrown which C.S.M. Osborn picked up and threw back. When one landed in a position where it was impossible to pick it up, he threw himself upon it and was killed.

Frank Madigan, Capreol, Canada

This selfless act of heroism puts the rest of todays 'news' in perspective. Surely the MoD recognises that our fighting men deserve the best of everything, wether it be weapons, armour or when they are wounded, the best possible medical care. This is headline news, not inside page.
I vote L C Croucher be awarded the VC - do I have a seconder for this motion?

ian powditch, Aldershot,

Absolutely agree with all comments!
Issue this guy with a VC forthwith.

Grauberger
Victoria, BC

Paul, Victoria, BC, Canada

"Britain’s highest military honour."

It's the UK's highest military honour, this is because Britain does not have any armed forces the UK does. Soldiers from Northern Ireland (Part of the UK for some of you people that think Britian is the only part of the UK) has served as well, so you have to get your act together and have "UK" when talking about this brave man and women that serve to protect. Also all of the UK pays tax to the armed forces not just England, Scotland and Wales.

UKman, Belfast, UK

Well Done Marine!! Give him the VC and the Metal of Honor.

John, Placentia, orange california

LC Croucher is deserving of a medal. (Which medal, I'll leave for his commanders to determine.) He is furthermore deserving of the commendation, respect and appreciation for his selfless act, of every self-respecting person on the planet, not to mention those whose lives he saved.

All our soldiers (I speak as an American, but I include the UK armed forces in this, amongst others) deserve our respect & appreciation. And, this story demonstrates why. LC Croucher is a hero for doing what he did, when the opportunity presented itself. The are thousands of other heros out there who, I pray it will be so, may never have the chance to prove it.

God bless you all, and keep you safe!

Dan'l, Portland, US/Maine

And I note that he is a reservist. Not only does he deserve recognition for his bravery but giving him a VC would be an excellent morale booster to those like him who regularly have to put up with disparaging "weekend warrior" comments whilst working harder than most people can possible comprehend - holding down a day-job, then sacrificing almost every hour of their spare time and ultimately, as LCpl Croucher has ably shown, putting their lives at risk.

Thomas Hunter, Edinburgh, UK

Absolutely Incredible!

To Lance Corporal Matt Croucher

Wow. Your bravery and selflessness is food for thought for everyone. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all. We can all learn from this act of selflessness and I hope that next time there is a mugging, or an opportunity for one of us to help another, we do so. We may not have the opportunity or courage to save a life, but we can certainly learn from you. Thank you!

Kirsty Wright, Guildford, Surrey

Such valor is only common in so a great nation such as Great Britain

SNA Aga, The Hague, Netherlands

LC Matt Croucher choice between four or one casualties. He choice one , himself. He has courage and very brave. Then after his brave deed he proceed to finish he task. People who are brave are usually humble.
Matt if you come to Australia and I get to meet you, it my shout. Hope you like ice cold beer.

Ron, jimboomba, Australia (QLD)

Someone like this brave young man should be held up as an example to our nation and a role model to our young people. His selfless actions are in stark contrast to the pathetic z-list celebs and overpaid prima donna footballers that park in disabled parking bays....

C, st austell,

What an example of selflessness, heroism and honor!!! I say three cheers and the Cross for L/CPL Croucher!

Patrick Egan, Sacramento, USA

Matt Croucher is more valuable to this country than all the members of the NUT put together.

J S, York,

I truly think he deserves the medal! There IS an ongoing war and are survivors of heroic acts less worthy? My heartfelt thanks to LC Matt Croucher for his action and his family for raising such a brave, quick-thinking man.

J. Jacklin, N. Vancouver, Canada

What a story, what a good man.

This is the sort of person who should be held up as an example to us all - rather than the so - called celebrities and ,(unfortunately) our politicians. In short, all of those who are only concerned with personal gain and self promotion.

I hope that this unbelieveably selfless act will be recognised after due consideration. I for one am grateful that such people are out there, prepared to risk their lives for others.

Steve, Cramlington, Northumberland

The VC should be doled out as quickly as possible to this hero.
When you realise the courage of our men and women abroad, it must make us feel proud and shame at the way they are treated by the gov lakeys who do not push forward the procurement requests for kits that they need.

pazz, ondon, UK

I fail to see the reason for debating the fact of whether he is deserving of a medal. If the last guy to be awarded it was given it for saving comrades under fire then I believe throwing yourself on a grenade to save your comrades takes the cake. For all he knew he was going to die, he didn't first ask "Hey guys, if I throw myself onto this grenade will you put me in for a medal."
This was a selfless act of bravery in the midst of a world full of many people who wouldn't shout for help when witnessing a mugging.
I can only hope that one day I might be as brave as LC Croucher.

Nic, Vancouver,

"... insisted on finishing his mission"
Our complaints about car parking,the NHS, the price of petrol -whatever - pale into insignificance in the face of such actions as these from LC Matt Croucher.
Absolutely incredible.

keith, Dalsland, Sweden ex pat