Courage Under Fire: Bryan Budd Charged Headfirst Into Danger Twice To Save His Fellow Soldiers

The Victoria Cross represents the highest distinction in the UK military, signifying courage amidst the chaos of battle. Unfortunately, many who show such bravery do not survive to receive this esteemed award, having sacrificed their lives in the acts deserving of this recognition. Corporal Bryan Budd met this tragic fate, demonstrating extraordinary bravery as he led a bold assault against Taliban insurgents.

With just five days remaining until his anticipated return home, one might have expected Budd to be focused on reuniting with his loved ones. Instead, his selfless actions ensured the safety of his comrades before his own. In keeping with the honored traditions of the British Parachute Regiment, the seasoned soldier fought with unyielding determination until his last moment.

These stories evoke a blend of sorrow for the fallen and profound admiration for those who show such exceptional courage among us.

Bryan Budd was a professional soldier

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Bryan Budd's aspiration to serve as a soldier started early in his life. In 1996, he answered this calling by joining the Parachute Regiment, driven by a strong desire to serve among the elite forces at the forefront of conflict.

Determined to exceed expectations, Budd chose a less conventional path, successfully navigating rigorous tests to earn a place in the esteemed ranks of the 16 Air Assault Brigade’s Pathfinder Platoon. Entrusted with vital reconnaissance missions deep within hostile territory, the Pathfinders forged paths into combat zones. This pivotal role allowed Budd to contribute to operations in diverse theaters, from the former Yugoslavia and Sierra Leone to Macedonia, Iraq and, ultimately, Afghanistan .

Increased Taliban activity in Helmand province

In 2006, Bryan Budd enlisted with the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment (3 PARA), as part of a British task force dispatched to Helmand province, Afghanistan. During this period, the region became notorious for intense combat, particularly in Sangin, which emerged as a main battleground.

In response to the presence of Western military forces, the Taliban heightened their aggression and resilience. Whereas previously they had primarily engaged from a distance, they now directly confronted troops to assert dominance over rural Afghanistan. For Budd's final mission, this translated to fighting in close combat amidst fields of corn.

His Victoria Cross citation recounts an event from July 27, 2006. Faced with heavy fire from militants positioned on a rooftop, Budd's section found themselves with many wounded comrades in need of evacuation. Recognizing that suppressive fire hindered rescue efforts, Budd bravely rose from cover, facing a barrage of bullets as he charged toward the building.

Budd's audacious assault forced the Taliban to retreat across an exposed field, where they were met with the deadly accuracy of British marksmanship. His actions enabled the safe evacuation of his comrades and marked the first of two remarkable 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.

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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.