US Marine reacts to Royal Marine who jumped onto a grenade
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
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👋 Background info on myself: I am a prior Marine infantryman, current Army infantryman. I've been through specialized Close Quarter Battle training, security guard training, subterranean warfare course, urban surveillance training, foreign weapons training, helicopter insert/extract master, as well as numerous training with other militaries and their technologies.
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I would like to thank you for the outstanding support you pour upon our UK Forces. I am not alone in respecting your humble descriptions of the achievements of HM Armed Forces. You should know that not only myself, who has served alongside your fine patriotic and dedicated fighting women and men, but fellow officers and ranks from private all the way above my own as Captain, really appreciate you taking the time to highlight and praise our own achievements.
Single handedly you have done much to cement the bond between our own and your own service personel from the other side of the pond. I thank you wholeheartedly.
Here here 👏👏
Too true and well said
Oh....very well said and thank you...🙂
Bravo Zulu 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Well said, Jay. Totally agree with you, I think CAC's name is Theo, he is so respectful not only to our UK forces but to others around the world. We need more people like him in the world for sure.
“I checked that my arms and legs were still attached”. I cant fathom the bravery required to put yourself in a situation where those words come out of your mouth.
@Digger Gardi i know but i mean even to join up requires a lot of courage
@Digger Gardi Thank You for your service Sir.
He also said that he checked a little while after to see if the other stuff (his wedding tackle) was still attached. What a hero.
i am supprised that he was able to hear the flyoff leaver hitting the ground over the clanking of his big brass balls
Hahaha brilliant 😂😂👏
😂
Lol
You mean his diamond 💎💎 balls, he should of used the wheelbarrow he carries them in to shield the blast 😜🤣🤣
That's some serious brass tax
"I checked that my arms and legs were still attached..." That statement sums up his state of mind, totally focused on the task at hand both before and after the explosion. Amazing man!
If that had been me I'd have definitely added another "appendage" to that check list.
His mom is one of my friends - the first she knew he had done this was by seeing it on the news, he never said a word to her. I remember her being angry that he hadn't said anything because he could have been killed and extremely proud of his bravery at the same time.
He has written a book too about him receiving The George Cross - it is a good read.
I met Matt at a Scuba Diving Show in London. He is quiet, humble man. He was rasing money for Veterans who'd lost limbs to learn to scuba dive. My son Jordan was on one of his Afghan tours in Helmand in 2007. There was plenty of drama.
Hey I’m looking to learn how to dive I’m not far from London have you got the details of his diving school ? And I’m ex 289 commando recruit
His daysack and medals were on display in the Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum in London.
I went there last year and I saw them! The lord Ashcroft gallery has the largest collection of VCs and GCs in the world.
Seen it, amazing collection.
One of my favourite places iv ever been.
@@reichtangle7734 Lord Ashcroft Collection has a YT Channel, Some really good stuff on there
Know if it’s still there ?
One of my cousins threw himself on a mortar shell in Vietnam. He did not survive but his friends did. His only brother, who was also in Vietnam was immediately sent home.
I honour his memory. I would observe that a mortar shell is of quite a different order of explosive than a grenade.
@@christopherhunt9078 he was last seen on radar.. soldier humour. Seriously though that's ballsy but your brother's matter more than you. Lots of respect
He was sent home so he could pass on his obviously very courageous DNA before it was lost forever
Jokes aside that is quite the story and I, even as a Brit who knows we never fully engaged ourselves with the Vietnam struggle, commend both your cousins for their service toward your country and applaud the bravery of both of them to fight
@@terryoconnor5262 a very good decision of your government. The US never should've sent those young men there😔 it just created yet another generation of problems.
Our armed forces don't get the respect they deserve .They are true heroes and we live our lives due to the fallen trying to win wars for our peace .I am so grateful for all that fight for peace and all that have lost their lives fighting for peace in wartime.
Like when Tony sent them to find weapons of mass destruction
@@patricktate4782 Nope, I'm not black, not only do I not see the relevance, but try and guess my ethnicity and make me laugh more.
Also: *you're
".. revenge for the rucksack.." Love it :)
Herrick was the British name for the deployments to Helmand. 40 commando is one of the three commando infantry units, 40, 42 and 45 commando.
Thanks!
He is correct
@@CombatArmsChannel no problem 🙂🤙
If I remember correctly herrick went as high herrick 25 that's what I was told my a friend so if I'm wrong I do apologise
my brother is 42 commando
Jeremy Clarkson does a good one on the Victoria cross probably too long for a reaction but you should definitely watch
Isn't that the one about his father in law ? If so that's a really good one to watch
@@jackhemingway9651 yes I believe that is the one
@@jackhemingway9651 I saw that one, it was very interesting indeed. He also did a very good one about The Arctic Convoys, I was particularly interested in that one because my Father served in The Merchant Navy during the war. Most of his service was in the North Atlantic Convoys, sailing up to Murmansk in Russia.
My father also spent sometime on the Murmansk run.
@@lizbignell7813 Not exactly a pleasure cruise Liz. My Dad never spoke much about it, only when I used to ask him things as I was getting older. The conditions were atrocious.
Proud to say I went to school with Matt, Really nice lad, Joining the Army is all he talked about
What a hero. What I love the most is he didn't just throw himself on the grenade or just the rucksack. He did both and risked his life to save others with quick thinking; not needlessly throwing away his own life. Man deserves the Medal.
Proud to say my big bro is a bootneck at 42. god bless Royal. Per mare per terram.
The George Cross was created for situations just like this. It can be awarded to anybody, not just the military. It is awarded - "for acts of the greatest heroism or for most conspicuous courage in circumstance of extreme danger" and is equal in status to the Victoria Cross.
It's such an honour, that when it was awarded to Malta (the whole country) during the second world war for holding out against the Italian and German air forces, the Maltese put it on their flag, where it remains today 🇲🇹
@@christiancanty2036 Indeed, a wholly fitting tribute, too a people who’s collective and sustained courage, under murderous bombardment, facilitated a pivotal episode in WW2.
@@christiancanty2036 wow Never knew that. Thanks for the info buddy
It is a very important award, but it is Not equivalent to the Victoria Cross in any way, shape or form. The GC is awarded as you correctly say, but the VC is awarded just as it says on the Bronze.....For Valour. In the face of the enemy is what distinguishes the two
@@rmcguire7033 "The George Cross (GC) is the highest award bestowed by the British government for non-operational gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. In the UK honours system, the George Cross is equal in stature to the Victoria Cross, the highest military gallantry award."
It's intention was for anybody who is not eligible for military awards. Originally for civilians, but also ended up being awarded to military personnel if the specific circumstances ruled out receiving a military award.
If you look into its history the George Cross was very specifically created to be on par with a Victoria Cross.
the Victoria cross is extremely difficult to get since its creation we have gone through many wars including two world wars and only 1,358 have been awarded a Victoria cross most commonly posthumously
God Bless you ALL ..... And thank you for your service and in keeping the UK and US safe ..... Thank you ....... Paula UK
Proud of our boys, right about the medals, VC enemy engagement, GC just as high.
George cross and the Victoria cross are of equal level and the equivalent to the Medal of Honor.
The only distinction between the GC and the VC is the presence of the Enemy.
People should not diminish the memory of GC awardees by saying it’s a lesser award.
The first people to recieve the gorge cross were the civilian population of malta in ww2
Perhaps the most unusual GC awardee was Charles Howard, 20th Earl of Suffolk.
No they're not. The VC is the highest medal for gallantry in operations in Commonwealth Countries. The GC is for the same thing in non-operational circumstances.
@@ianbeadle6313
Since the 1980s or so most of the Old Commonwealth countries ( New Zealand, Australia, Canads) have adopted their own military and civilian awards.
So for example, four Australian troops were awarded VCs during the Vietnam War
However, Australia now has it's own ' Victoria Cross of Australia'. Several have been awarded to Australians who served in Afghanistan. The criteria might be the same but it is not actually the same. I think other countries, such as India, long ago instituted their own bravery decorations.
Not knocking any GC winners but it is not equal to a VC.
I always love this channel, it gives such insight into how the military really operates on the ground and highlights the difference between our UK operating procedures and the US deployment tactics. Best of all it really highlights just how interlinked both our armed forces are, and why when it comes to the world stage we both are unwavering in our support for each other no matter the situation. Makes me both a proud Brit and proud to call the USA our greatest ally.
What an absolute selfless act. Hat off to that Man. That brilliant Man!!
Thats rough not getting the VC although not in combat he made the choice to die to save his mates LEGEND
I'm loving your room mate it looks pretty cool with the patches and the badges and everything. I have big respect and I'm very patriotic when it comes to all members of Her Majesty's British Armed Forces. I have big respect to those who serve in the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Marines Commandos, RAF, Paratroopers, and other members of the Armed Forces. This is a fantastic story. A true example of what the Royal Marines Commandos and the British Armed Forces is all about. 💪🔥🇬🇧
Op herrick is the general operation in Afghanistan for British troops within that there was other operations with a specific task
What a good man top legend pure respect.. glad he came out okay! That man has balls of titanium alloy serious metal
Just realised a few minutes in that this is the same 40 commando based in my town ^_^ I enjoy your reactions and thank you for your interest in UK military and for your service to your country. Stay safe :)
The 1 dislike is from the backpack haha
I've been really enjoying the videos. Very respectful of our British armed forces. Thank you
For me, this guy deserved the VC. He had no idea that he was going to survive his actions, but selflessly dived on the grenade to save his mates anyway. That is a true hero!
Not quite 'deserving' of the VC imo. There has to be some kind of separation between the guys that do truly nutty stuff over an extended period of time, usually when grievously/mortally wounded and against crazy odds, and those that don't.
Not to say that what he did wasn't unquestionably brave and selfless, or that I want to diminish his bravery in any way, because he's certainly a better man than me, all I'm saying is that a VC usually requires an act so ludicrous that no-one would believe it, which is exactly how it should be. Besides, the George Cross is no small thing. I would still buy the mans beer for an evening the same as if he had been awarded the VC.
That's why the GC was appropriate, similar to the Para in Belfast (early 1970s) who saved a shop full of civilians from a bomb, at the cost of his life.
That marine is clearly a hero and great to hear he survived and they even managed to exact some revenge for his bag! 🤣 great video as always. I love to hear you’re perspective and also livethforevermore is a great channel ✌️
If this shows anything, it shows how difficult it really is to get a Victoria cross. Anyone who receives one is truly a bad ass. Absolute respect to this Marine, acting in a split second to "in his eyes" forfeit his life to save his brothers just shows he's a true hero.
Nah. He wasn't denied it because what he did wasn't bad ass enough. He was denied it because the Victoria Cross is specifically for gallantry in combat, and they weren't in combat. The George Cross is for exactly the same kind of bravery, but for situations where you weren't in combat.
Hope your adapting well to the civilian side of life brother, I know it can be difficult at times, keep up with the amazing content man... you the best 🤙
Brave lad, he's really friendly and humble too, I met him at the remembrance day parade in London 10 or so years ago, I was walking along having just got into the area of the parade and he was passing by I gave him a nod and he smiled, then two steps later I realised who it was and went back to speak to him.
Great video! I think I may have been one of those recommending this to you. I really appreciate you looking at it. For my perspective I think, if anything, this story and the reaction here in the comments shows that although there is a huge level of respect (and rightly so) for the VC, too few have heard of the George Cross to properly understand that having that dark blue ribbon on your chest is still a huge honour. It's not a wooden spoon, it's still an auspicious award which shows the quality and the stoicism of the soldier wearing it.
Always interested when it's a Brit military vid.👍 Congratulations on hitting 200k mate.
May I recommend Jeremy Clarksons documentary on the Victoria Cross. It’s absolutely amazing and a real eye opener. Congratulations on 200K dude. Keep up the great content 👍🏻
That’s about the guy who shot everting and didn’t care
We should hear more of these stories. We tend to take our services for granted when they take enormous risks for us.
The VC is impossibly hard to be awarded. It makes the congressional medal of honour look easy (whichit isn't). Watch Jeremy Clarkson's documentary on the VC to understand it and what is needed to receive it. Even the infamous SAS founder member Paddy Mayne was refused the VC.
Paddy Mayne was refused it cause he was not liked by the top Brass Even though Montgomery had signed the recommendation. It was down graded to another DSO of which he earned four in total along with his other medals...Unfortunately the VC is not that hard to earn these days and even though the heroism is remarkable, compared to what you had to do in ww2 to get one, there is no comparison...Very much like the CMH ...
@@nicbeard2855 Very few VCs have been awarded since WW2. Only 15 if I am not mistaken. These were for actions in the Korean war, Vietnam, The Falklans, Iraq and Afganistan. This includes those awarded to Australians. The CMH was awarded hundreds of times since WW2 for actions in those same wars, of course with the exception of the Falklans.
Once saw a guy in another video's comments try to argue that the US Army was better than the British Army because more medals of honour have been awarded than VCs. Love this website.
@@monsieurboks US army is 100% volunteers. Only army in the world. That is kind of nuts.
@@Chris-ro7mn you think you're the only non-conscript army? Fella in the UK conscription (called National Service) only ever existed in the world wars and from 1949 to 1960. You're not as special as you think you are
Good to hear a US Marine comment.
Amazing courage all soldiers who take that leap deserves are full respect for bless them
What a badass and totally selfless they’re the type of men you need fighting next to you. When you’re in a firefight you’re not fighting for anything other than the men either side of you.
The George Cross (GC) is the equal highest award of the United Kingdom honours system, being second in the order of wear (but equal precedence) to the Victoria Cross.
The GC is the highest gallantry award for civilians, as well as for members of the armed forces in actions for which purely military honours would not normally be granted.
The GC was instituted on 24th September, 1940 by King George VI.
That's from the forces war records website. Essentially, the Victoria Cross is for when in engagement with the enemy, the George Cross is for any other situation. A well deserved award for this man and it is by no means a lesser medal.
Thanks for the video, I love your insight and thoughts!
Can't wait to join the Royal Marines
His day sack and GC are on display at Imperial War Museum in London if anyone goes there once things relax.
You should watch Jeremy Clarkson's documentary about the Victoria cross
Fantastic programme.... Clarksons best work
Jeremy Clarkson at his VERY Best, and with deepest respects to his wife
@@rmcguire7033 yes, a, big 'I didn't see that coming' monent at the end.
Where can i watch it?
@@p.t.a - ua-cam.com/video/Bl6j7I8FWT4/v-deo.html
I have just subscribed to your blog young man and want to thank you 💕 for being so informative and well mannered . I'm a 72yr old grandma with grown up children and young grandchildren . I wish I could give you a big hug 🇬🇧☘️ .
Thanks for sharing this fascinating story.
Such a top man. So humble and respectful. 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
big respect!
Massive respect what an amazing man 🙏
Like Mikey Monsoor. Unbelievable.
Those few seconds show exactly who you are.
Awesome vlog Theo, these acts of courage are so amazing and selfless they are hard to believe and so humbling, I am so grateful to all our military and our allies for fighting for us all.
I love your videos mate, long live our alliance and friendship.
LCpl Croucher fills me with pride to be British and makes me well up with his bravery, what a fucking legend!
The Victoria Cross is usually awarded to those who die in conflict. Only a handful have lived and been awarded it. Most recently Joshua Leaky from the Parachute Regiment
Another amazing episode, sadly recent events show our brave military and forces are really not valued as individuals by the powers that be especially once finishing there career in the forces. Veteran garage in the UK are an amazing organisation supporting those after service so if you have served and want to talk to others and share your experiences go visit them for sure.
Colonel H. JONES of 2 parachute regiment received the Victoria Cross at the Falkland Islands during the war there in 1982. He choose to lead his troops against substantial enemy fire and was killed.
I don't know if it's already been recommended, but you might want to do a piece on the SAS operation in Mirbat, Oman in 1972. It was a sort of "Rorke's Drift" type action, with Staff-Sergeant Labalaba (who was eventually killed) bore-sighting and firing a 25-pounder field gun on his own - something normally done by a six-man crew. At first, they only, quite shamefully in my opinion, awarded him a posthumous MiD, but "upgraded" it to a DCM when it was well worth a VC.
MsG
It's quite a simple distinction. The VC is awarded in recognition of, act/s of bravery 'carried out under direct enemy fire.'
Ross Kemp's videos with the Royal Irish Regiment of the British Army are very good. There are a few of his videos from Afghanistan which are very good
Another great video. I'm a little late to the party, but congratulations on the 200k subs. you absolutely deserve it.
Man, I remember FOB Rob. On Christmas in 2010, Marine Raiders from FOB Nolay came over to Rob and brought RipIts, jerky, and other stuff and even one Raider dressed up as Santa in an effort to boost morale after 3/5 lost so many dudes.
I met this guy before this happened. He was a good friend of a Marine pal of mine. Like any normal guy. But that instinct and bravery says it all. Brotherhood at its finest
that jacket - good life choices
love your content
thanks for your service and hello from Scotland
Really appreciate the respect and for educating us about other military forces 👏
How quick did he think. All those thoughts in a short amount of time is possible as shown. Amazing
Royal Marines are bad ass God bless them .. you also need do a video sometime on the Pathfinder Platoon 16 Air Assault Brigade 👍
Op Herrick was the UK designation for all deployments to Afghanistan (they were numbered sequentially - much like Op Telic in Iraq)
Another great reaction.
Dude you need to display your youtube award a bit better. You earned.
It looks like its been stuck there as an after thought.
My granddad was a royal marine during WWII he had only one wound when a crate landed on his leg. However on reading through the paper work the “crate” was full of high explosive cordite in the munition bunker of a battleship. He put his leg in the way to reduce the chances of a ship killing detonation. He talked about boxing for the joint services against the Americans etc but not about the war. Only once did he say, we took an island from the Japanese, “It was very hard”. A gentle giant of a man.
Every solider is a hero the very fact that they are willing to go to these war torn countries to fight for our right to live free astounds me and humbles me there is nothing a returning solider should ever want for as their countries can never pay any amount that would be enough for their bravery selflessness and courage. I salute all military individuals and thank you for keeping us safe every day.
Royal Marines will die for there comrades
Not just the Marines bro.
Ideally they intend to make others die for their comrades rather than themselves.
@@terenceballands3321 Did he say that?
Their..not there..but your right.
@@paulritchie5868 correct but it's "you're" 👍
Godbless you Buddy...... Love your Chanel..... But you guys have also got some awesome marines...... Love and total respect..... From the UK .... 🇬🇧♥ .... Stay safe...
"can be a little bit disconcerting" - this guy has the gift of british understatement down pat
That is a full size proper present day hero. I bet he has to watch out doesn't trip over his bollocks . Unbelievable respect.
I hope L/Cpl Croucher didn't get a bill for the rucksack !! Crikey, what a human being to be able to think that quickly. Hats off to him for this and for surviving. Amazing.
Watch a film called kajaki true story when a section from 3para got stuck in a unmarked minefield the RAF came to rescue them in a Chinook which set off more mines then the American helicopter crew came down the winch man won conspicuos gallentry cross or something it's called kajaki it happened on Herrick 6 it is a no bullshit film as the guys who were in it helped the making its a great film for ppl to watch the real cost of war
Yeah second a reaction to Kajaki. Amazing war film that’s criminally under promoted and under appreciated.
THANKS i will look that up myself. Sounds interesting
One of the best films I’ve seen that respect to the lads from 3Para
A British soldier did this in Northern Ireland during the troubles. A member of the IRA (presumably) lobbed a grenade and it ended up landing near children playing in the street. The soldier saw it and then ran and jumped on the grenade, which blew off his limbs and disembowelled him. He was alive and conscious for a few minutes, and there was a group of women stood nearby, laughing at him
When were did this happen. Curious I live here 🇮🇪
@@hugmc en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Willetts#:~:text=A%20man%20in%20his%20mid,explosives%20detonated%2C%20seriously%20injuring%20him.
@@keighlancoe5933 I remember now .
What a legend. Hats off to you military guys.
The George cross is equivalent to the Victoria cross in terms on honours.
It was created to cover situations like this where the Victoria cross could not be issued due to the Victoria cross requiring the act to be "in the presence of the enemy"
Hi. Regarding the George Cross, have you looked at the Kajaki dam incident? There’s a movie called “Kajaki” or “Kilo Two Bravo” in the USA all about it. Corporal Mark Wright and Corporal Paul “Tug” Hartley both received the George Cross. Sadly Wright’s was posthumous. It’s an incredible event.
The George Cross is pretty much equal to the Victoria Cross, with the only stipulation being that a Victoria Cross can only be awarded whilst under enemy fire. I guess the argument could be made that a hand grenade, even set up as a booby trap, is a form of "enemy fire", but then you would risk undermining the George Cross and all the heroic bomb disposal recipients over the years. Just to illustrate the difference further, a George Cross is typically awarded to Bomb Disposal officers - the obvious examples being Corporal Mark Wright and Staff Sergeants Olaf Schmid and Kim Hughes. Mark Wright's situation was later made into the movie "Kajaki" (or "Kilo Two Bravo" in the US), where his unit accidentally walked into a minefield near Kajaki Dam. Wright then began defusing the mines which lay around the injured men, later being injured himself by an exploding mine. His efforts enabled his unit to be eventually evacuated, but he sadly did not survive his injuries. Similarly Olaf Schmid was killed in action when he was defusing an IED in an alleyway. The IED exploded but, because of his efforts, the men trapped in the alleyway were not hurt. Schmid had disarmed over 70 IEDs in his time in Afghanistan before his death in 2009. The only 1 of the 3 to survive was Kim Hughes, whose story is pretty similar to Corporal Mark Wright's. He found himself trapped in a minefield with his unit and, with injured friends screaming around him, managed to defuse 7 mines with no protective clothing and only a pair of pliers. In his time in Afghanistan Hughes had defused over 80 IEDs. However, despite 2 of these 3 heroes actually losing their lives, all of them received the George Cross, not the VC. The GC is basically recognised as the highest medal of honour which can be received for Bomb defusal and, with that in mind, I can totally understand why Matthew Croucher was also recommended a GC and not a VC
You should do a video on ways to physically prepare (as much as one can) for BCT/boot camp
Another excellent video, thank you.
Might be better he got the GC really, majority of VC recipients sadly don't get to receive it in person.
Theres not been many VC's dishes out to guys that lived to collect them! It sounds harsh but there's definite criteria to be met for a VC to be awarded!!
Congrats on 200k!!! Also to answer a couple of your questions, Op Herrick was our version of your mission. And in the British military, if you were deployed to Afghan and you’re an Infantry or any fighting regiment, chances are you’re going to get deployed in Helmand
At least they got dome revenge for the ruck sack lol, great video..
You should watch the film Kajaki about the royal marines who walked into a minefield
The George Cross is for above the call of duty while not under direct attack.
The Victoria Cross is for above the call of duty while under direct attack, the equivalent to the USA purple heart.
Was in my class at Lyndon school and he’s a good lad!
Lyndon school, you were both a year above me. Remember chad who died via train?
liking the new set up mate!
George Cross - great honour for a true hero.
Seriously these guys are a different breed.
I think these videos are awesome, the U.S. marine seems like a really decent guy.
Op Herrick is the general name for British operations in Aghan until 2014, British involvement now is called Op Toral, more oriented to training Afghan forces and providing support and transport for NATO advisories
He a interview on the radio some time after this. He said that due to his back pack being full it would take alot of the force from the grenade. But just show's how fast his thought process was to make that decision and act in such a selfless manner.
i think a cool video for you would be to watch some stuff about situations where people won a victoria cross.
Royal Marine pulled a Steve Rogers
Canadian W.O. John Osborn VC was awarded the VC posthumously for throwing himself on a Japanese grenade during the battle for Hong Kong in WW2. A courageous act to sacrifice your life, or risk your life, for your mates.