VC hero Josh Leakey talks about taking on 20 Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan

Victoria Cross hero Lance Corporal Josh Leakey, 27, has been recognised for gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
His actions in Afghanistan on the 22 August 2013 single-handedly regained the initiative and prevented considerable loss of life.
Lance Corporal Leakey describes in his own words what happened on that day when he was deployed on a combined UK/US assault led by the United States Marine Corp into a Taliban stronghold to disrupt a key insurgent group.

[@albionmyl7735]

Respect from Germany to this brave man....a true british soldier.....once my father said the English soldier were the best....sadly fighting against them was like to fight against the own brother....we are both Anglosaxon

[@BookerT48]

Look at the nation the Saxons helped build. Amazing history.

[@richardshilling2958]

My grandfather said the german soldier is an equal to himself. Brave men on both sides in ww2.

[@andrewmacdonald7423]

@@richardshilling2958 It was just The Nazi party and Hitler the Shitler . Sorry to say. Fools rush in where wise men never go.

[@mikeriverside6356]

The British are mainly Celtic. Most Romans, Saxons and Normans returned to their own countries.

[@quentinlargcoie]

Never again 🇬🇧🇩🇪

[@talbenavraham1385]

I honestly wish our politicians could show just 1% if his courage. A credit to our nation.

[@Dibley8899]

Take a look at some of our politicians and the answer is stairing you in the face. Diane Abbott and David Lamey. Ant-white and anti-British. Abbott has just stated that all Black, Brown, and Muslims should join together, with Lamey recently stating ''Africa doesn't need white people to save it.''

[@JonJon-rz5el]

Exactly Churchill a dedicated soldier, he was a journalist in the Boer war and fought in the First World War. The weak cannot be virtuous, they will only bend to the prevailing wind. Politicians of today, bent and contorted, most notable contorter Islam.

[@Dibley8899]

@Just Gofish Hooray, another person who says it how it is. The spunk of the British male hood is on its way back. Keep telling them how it is.

[@richardkelly5409]

Jon Jon ,Churchill was first Lord to the admiralty at the outbreak of WW1 , then went onto the catastrophe that was Gallipoli.

[@Dibley8899]

@@richardkelly5409 And one of the reasons why the Normandy landings were a success.

[@suavesmithy]

Would love to buy that man a pint , proper hero !

[@hoofie2002]

I suspect he will never have to put his hand in his pocket for ale for the rest of his life. That little bit of metal that is so hard to earn means he will always stand out amongst others.

[@Jonah216]

@@hoofie2002 ....he does though, a modest bloke and a friend.

[@jakenicholaides3214]

He shouldnt have to buy his own pints ever again

[@marklauzon681]

@SuaveSmitty...never an empty glass. 😎👍❤.

[@andrewgiblin3468]

The word hero is used far to casually now a days, nice to see a real one receiving the proper credit! Well done lad!!

[@piraetje675]

i helped an old lady cross over, i'm a real hero

[@elvagcars6816]

I saved a fly today where my medal

[@piraetje675]

@@elvagcars6816 thank you for your service sir!

[@elvagcars6816]

And whilst I was there I saw some ants, 2.5 to be precise, one had been run over, surely that's worth a green heart

[@johnevans6399]

So so British, humble and normal. Makes you so proud.

[@OdinzEinherjar]

@lisbon67 hailhail Which glorious country do you hail from?

[@ridk19saxon85]

Good candidate for cancer, right here.

[@OdinzEinherjar]

@lisbon67 hailhail That didn't teach you how to spell.

@lisbon - that includes many immigrants from Belfast.

[@OdinzEinherjar]

@lisbon67 hailhail And the illegals flow there too and the multiple factions of IRA and loyalist paramilitary kill one another for control of the drugs while pretending to Joe public they are cleaning up the drug dealers and drug problem.

[@maxwellmcclure9331]

You Brits are no joke. No better ally than you. Cheers from the USA.

[@moystonadv3651]

no better ally!....you might want to check your history and facts mate....been in every war you have..didnt see the brits in vietnam!...but know what you mean in yr comment...but dont forget anzacs mate!...victoria crosses only provided to commonwealth forces...when u get that...everyone salutes you, you dont have to salute any position, fact! well done...

[@Azzi_0161]

Moyston ADV wtf are you talking you utter clown 🤡 there’s always a complete moron like you on the comment section isn’t there. You realise Britain were in their own war during Vietnam? That wouldn’t fit your stupid argument tho would it.

[@moystonadv3651]

@The Richest Man In Babylon thats ok,.,we are on the same side to beat the ruskies!@...

[@baitsauce]

This former US Marine is most humbled by you. Semper Fidelis.

[@newton18311]

comradeship was shown, Brothers in Arms.

[@59jalex]

The WW1 Unknown Soldier in Arlington was awarded the Victoria Cross and it was placed with the soldier.

[@JonJon-rz5el]

God bless you

[@DK-cy5mt]

@baitsauce the Paras were in the same training battalion as me when I was at ITC Catterick. Unfortunately, problems with anxiety finished my army career during training, but it's good to see people go above and beyond like this lad

[@mikepaz4870]

Just to RESPECTFULLY update you. A previous CMC ( not that non TBS zoomie Amos ) changed a couple things. A. Veterans are encouraged to salute when appropriate. B. Former Marines no longer exist ......if you were a Marine it’s a lifetime thing so your specifically there are no more former Marines It may be semantics but I get it. Sadly , I can never claim that honor. Even though my former name was HM2 ( ESWS ) ( FMF ) , I even earned a Navy Com from General Mike Myatt , USMC , ( Ret ) For Desert Shield, Desert Storm and a CAR. It’s like these non binary , politically correct freaks .... I was a Corpsman with two tours with the FMF. I don’t identify as Marine, I identify as an FMF Corpsman. I lock my nasty up when the Hymn is played but never do so for anchors away. Please don’t call me a Sailor ... yes. I drank the cool aid , it helps digest crayons

[@OzBloke]

A hug from a senior Officer - Wow - bloody beautiful! Well Done that Man. 👍🙂

[@louisavondart9178]

It's a Tradition if you are awarded the Victoria Cross. Secondly, from now on all officers will salute him first, unless they also have a VC.

[@JammyDodger45]

@@louisavondart9178 - not true. Urban myth. That's the American Medal of Honour not the VC.

[@WildlifeObsessed]

That’s not training - that’s just raw courage and guts. I salute you, young man.

[@KernowekTim]

A pleasure to witness the highest award for valour bestowed upon this valiant young man. May he live to a great, and healthy old age.

[@leonardolupini3484]

The letters VC behind your name is even more prestigious than having the word 'General' in front of it.

[@howey935]

Its still the only honour that cant be taken away.

[@zasquatchrocks]

Words cannot express my feelings, I’m so glad you weren’t hurt in your brave deeds.

[@johnedwards1685]

We ask so very much of these young people. Their courage is truly humbling.

[@theurbangentry]

Massive respect. What a hero! Best regards, TGV

[@abefroman8202]

As a retired RUC Officer and someone deployed with the Parachute Regiment. I concur.

[@SenorTucano]

He’s more nervous at his investiture than he was during the action that earned it

[@resistireland694]

U hit the nail square on the head there friend.

[@barrybigballs6339]

and he's probably still wondering what all the fuss is about.

[@JohnSmith-mm1oi]

Ramphastos thats because he’s a man,not a millennial mouse

[@JohnSmith-mm1oi]

Thank God for young men of this caliber

[@johnclayton7471]

I thought that too, as if he's wondering what all the fuss is for. Admirable courgage and composure under fire. Our troops and allies and even the Taliban can all show such bravery. I hope it's all worthwhile, but whatever it won't be for lack of bravery from our troops.

[@michaelandrews4403]

From this day the Lance Corporal will be saluted first, by an Officer, before saluting back.

[@TheophilusPWildbeest]

I noticed that too, is that the real procedure? He certainly deserves it.

[@michaelandrews4403]

@@TheophilusPWildbeest It is not military regulation but it is accepted tradition that even the most senior Officer will salute the Victoria Cross bearer, even a Private soldier, first.

[@tonyska]

Never knew that but seems fitting.

[@alphonso391]

Dear God.

[@dallasyap3064]

Yes

[@SKEPGFX]

He saved that US Marine, That's what I call brotherhood! We may laugh and cry about one another, but when shit hits the fan, the people weill always be by your side to help you through thick and thin. Always have respected the US and always will.

[@IanDaniells]

Utter respect to Josh Leakey, so few earn this recognition and survive. Congratulations may it not have been in vain.

[@jimmyjarrett-ws2iz]

I believe it's around 1 in 10 VC recipients actually live to tell the story. If you haven't heard the story of how Jeremy Clarksons father in law earned his VC at Arnhem I suggest looking it up here on KZbin, it's One of the most amazing cases of bravery I've ever heard of. It sounds like it came out of some ridiculous Hollywood action film.

[@billmitchell3329]

Proud of you Josh Leakey. It’s people like you who step up when called to duty and serve with honor and bravery. Thank you, sir!

[@eaglelegend1]

It’s people like this that make us Great Britain, regardless of what you think of foreign policy or what side of the fence your on politically. Young men continue to prove themselves. If he was my son......... I’d be so proud. Well done young man. (Welling up!!, sad 46 year ooold man)

[@kbag1528]

😂😂😂😂stupid

[@eaglelegend1]

Khashayar BAGHERI yeah maybe so, but I can appreciate the act of bravery or courage in any walk of life, any background, battlefield or not. It’s about doing great things

[@thesceptic1018]

Outstanding

[@stephensgate1]

I salute you for your duty and bravery. May God continue to raise up more fine men like this Soldier, to protect and defend our freedoms. Thank you. -Stephen, Ohio 🇺🇸

[@krogers5001]

Such a brave young man, we should be grateful we have service personnel of this calibre who serve with such courage and distinction. 🇬🇧👍

[@jobocage]

Brave men??? A brave defend his country... this men is an invader... like all UK troops...

[@mikeneufield5499]

From Canada ,my respect and honour to Lance Cpl Joshua Leakey VC ..

[@trevorrobinson8577]

I salute you sir. A very brave man and a true hero.

[@bjprice2274]

I actually think he got a 'fright' when that officer hugged him.

[@robertfrancis4521]

Let's hope in 40 years this brave lad isn't investigated for unnecessary pain and suffering to the enemy!!

[@joemoody7440]

Imperialist occupation forces illegally waging war thousands of miles from your home land to enrich the very few and you glorify the butchery it's insane

[@robertfrancis4521]

@@joemoody7440 poor little soy boy Joe!! Was boy scouts too rough for you? Were you breast fed till you were 16? Masculinity passed you by? Never mind you can always join the labour party!!

[@joemoody7440]

@@robertfrancis4521 my comments are being deleted you are all cowards the lowest of the low I have screen shots

[@catdogthing]

@@joemoody7440 no one care lmao

[@joemoody7440]

@@catdogthing the hundreds of millions of people forced from there homes families destroyed lives shattered!! they care you heartless moron

[@srevans777]

I wouldn't even have the balls to do that on Call of Duty...

[@Madmancrock]

The Parachute Regiment makes me proud to be British. We can never thank them enough for what they have achieved over the years.

[@mikeneufield5499]

I'm proud of them, even though not British but Canadian , am staunch supporter of the Commonwealth, &the Cdn Parachute Battalion fought alongside was part of British 1st Para Division on D Day , and later.. and proudly remember, honour Pegasus Bridge, Col H Jones and Goose Green ,, and Lance Cpl Joshua Leakey VC

[@Dan-zc7ut]

Mike Neufield thank you for your service

[@mikeneufield5499]

@@Dan-zc7ut well didnt serve actually, I was however paying respect to those who have, and in this case of the Paras .but ,thanks for sentiment .. Cheers

[@pmpl66]

Massive respect. A credit to your family, the regiment, the Army and Great Britain. A true hero. Thank you for your service !

[@bougeac]

In this age of instagram/twitter “influencers” the terms hero/legend are banded about far too readily. This gentleman IS a hero

[@andrewbrown2907]

How is it that I am hearing about this for the first time? And on KZbin! Well done L/Cpl Leakey sir you have done this nation, your parents & the Parachute regiment proud... well done.

[@gregvictoire1309]

Lance Corporal Josh Leakey, this former officer in the French paratroops would salute you first, with utter respect, as a VC bearer. Long live the British people and its great military traditions. ✨🇬🇧✨ Et par Saint Michel, vive les paras ! ✨💪✨

[@suffern63]

Let's hope that in 30 or 40 years he,and his other fellow soldiers,are receiving all the help,financial,social,medical etc that they will need.

[@OdinzEinherjar]

Pfttt, they dispose of us servicemen like used tissue paper.

[@LiftOffLife]

Military service means fook all to consecutive British governments. Even illigal immigrants are put ahead of the queue for housing, operations in the NHS and for benefits. Its a national shame.

[@G58]

Fastnail Isn’t it a bigger national shame that this country gets involved in these illegal conflicts? Or are you happy with all that? And whilst we are discussing what you call “illegal immigrants”, where are most of them coming from? Could it be from the very regions UK troops are being deployed to in those same illegal conflicts? The first thing you learn in combat is to avoid getting caught in an enemy ambush. You just ambushed yourself!! Well done.

[@talbenavraham1385]

It's said a large part of the homeless on the streets are ex servicemen who suffer from PTSD. They should be helped not illegal migrants.

[@G58]

Tal Ben Avraham Spoken like a true Hasbrat squatter

[@66kbm]

Sir, you become one of the most exhaulted and decorated military persons in UK history. An elite group. Even more so as you are alive. Most VC's are Posthumus. As an ex Soldier i say.....You went beyond, You went further, You looked after your mates. Total respect. I say no more more as no more is required.

[@jonnybravo3055]

And all the time he had a cup of tea in his hand and didn't spill a drop lol🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@iamthedalilama]

That was funny 😄

[@jamieb7503]

The biggest respect. Legend!

[@neilgrant6876]

His training staff must be so proud, well done mate

[@MrVertigoblue]

Great job. Proud of you. 🇬🇧🇨🇦

[@raymondwilliamblack]

1 para x 20 taliban no contest they should have brought their grannies.

[@hansxyz3799]

🇩🇪 Fallschirmjäger Patch on his Uniform well done 👍much respect Sir 👍

[@jadachi9528]

"the aim was to get to the top of the hill as quick as possible really cuz that's when the next bit of cover was" he says with a chuckle. The matter of fact humor of a professional soldier. God bless everyone of you.

[@wasp6594]

A lot of criticism is levelled at this generation, some of it justified. But Lance Corporal Leakey and other brave soldiers of his age group show that underneath they are no different from their forefathers.

[@leemason5953]

Please dont compare British armed forces of today with the little twitter snowflakes of today,there really is no comparison at all.

[@allgood6760]

Salute and respect👍.. we had a VC recipient here fot his service in AFG🇳🇿

[@shaunclater760]

Thanks Josh.... proud of ya fella!...👍

[@BruceSeesall]

Well deserved brother.

[@dave_yeg8596]

I'm grateful, thank you. Canadians do the same but aren't recognized by the Govt. The govt doesn't an has never cared about vets.

[@vladmirepoutine545]

As a member of the Royal Canadian Regiment, thank you for acknowledging this.

[@dave_yeg8596]

@@vladmirepoutine545 ...It's an extremely sad commentary on our once proud heritage, Thank You.

[@LRRPFco52]

RCR and Canadian Air Force get more recognition and support in the US than by the Canadian government. They're some of the finest soldiers and airmen in the world, but are under the threat of disbandment (RCR) if someone screws up enough.

[@asdfgh7023]

God bless !Respect from Bulgaria!

[@micklogg5377]

Thanks for your service guys

[@YWN666]

A true, professional, and humble British soldier. A hero who has courage that has not been seen since WW1 or WW2. This one young man brings a tear to everyone's eye with pride and makes every British person proud to be British again.

[@richardkirk5098]

Well done! From Texas

[@sararedfearn4691]

From a veteran combat Infantry man (A crap hat) to you. Belated congratulations to both your Regiment and your good self. Ex CSM , JR

[@spitfirevictor]

Well done young man

[@jeffreycrawley1216]

My daughters went to school with him (Christ's Hospital, Horsham) and the eldest said, when she heard about his VC: "No! surely not, he was such a mild mannered lad!"

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

Mild manners and the right stuff.

[@apathyintheuk265]

That was very 'un' British and very un military. I never got a hug when I was in.

[@BellogsTheChicken]

Yea the hug was a bit over the top

[@urbanimage]

Yes, I was very surprise by all the hugging.

[@mrscotthaskins]

I was in the Navy, it was all the rage when I was in 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@urbanimage]

@@mrscotthaskins 8--)

[@AlexG-wk3nh]

did you get the VC when you were in?

[@royferguson2297]

So proud of this guy so much so I posted it on an American site.

[@brt-jn7kg]

He didnt even get a standing ovation. The Brits are so reserved.

[@scottcrosby-art5490]

We are quietly respectful

[@benbim540]

but even the top generals in the british army have to salute when he passes.

[@alonsocushing2398]

@@scottcrosby-art5490 Certainly not over the top like one nation we could mention.

[@apathyintheuk265]

@@alonsocushing2398 Yeah, the bloody Swiss - every military event is like a Hollywood red carpet event.

[@alonsocushing2398]

@@apathyintheuk265 LOL.

[@69LDW]

Well done son , respect

[@seanbooth9330]

Good effort mate, well done that's an amazing achievement.

[@johnrooney1860]

Very proud of you well done God bless you. John Rooney st.annes Lancashire UK ps

[@blessedwithchallenges9917]

I love it. And 26 people giving this a thumbs down would prefer we all live in fear under authoritarian or communist control. Geniuses!

[@NomaDz2K]

Taking higher ground, better vantage point also, good thinking and awareness. That 100mt uphill rush must have felt like doing a mile.

[@aaronsmith3699]

And the lad did it twice! Under fire!

[@daniels2577]

Always a 'we' instead of an 'I'. This is a man that gets it. Well done, BZ

[@kevinmcmenamin260]

Humility & Bravery in a great man - a true Hero. He made it clear that he was second 'on scene' & that this other person was not only giving aid, but was shielding the casualty, just as he also became a shield for them. Great to see his sharing of the heroism & his natural team spirit, shining through during this video, just as it did when it was needed in that engagement !! Thanks for fighting for us. Thanks for being who you are !!!

[@paulcarson7860]

Amazingly his cousin won the VC as well. Nigel Leakey VC.

[@strangelybrown4579]

No way? Jesus they should bottle his blood.

[@jakeagusta]

Great effort and proudly recognised 👍🏻

[@chrisberry3048]

You god. No words are enough to express my respect

[@shinkoreancookery952]

The Victoria Cross is not only a medal but something that has done something absolutely AMAZING 🤩 and that’s the good thing to get the medal for for saving peoples lives. Big respect to you and everyone else who has earned it ✌️✌️

[@annacondor3186]

Modest, understated and well deserved. Nice touch from the GOC.

[@Cloudwolf40]

Taken completely surprised to be crying right now.

[@jamesbristow1644]

It makes me proud to be British

[@tonymontanamalverde]

These British soldiers are great to have on our flanks in battle. They're tactically proficient and there accent always brings a good laugh 🇺🇸 🇬🇧

[@Bob-Horse]

May God bless you and all your fellow service men and women, and congratulations to a well deserving courageous man. 👍🇬🇧

[@LittaDNB]

Legend

[@pauljones8149]

Where was all the clapping at 8 pm on a Thursday for the forces serving in the gulf war and the war in Afghanistan . All of a sudden it’s on our doorstep and it effects the civilian population and they’re all out clapping for the NHS ( and yes the NHS are heroes ) but as normal the military go unnoticed when their making the world a safer and a better place giving up their lives and limbs .. Good to see a military person getting recognized. Hats off to you !!

[@topbanana4013]

not sure what you banging on about to be fair, we have plenty of parades for out troops every year probably more then any other. whats going on now is at home and its now over 40k dead in 3 months. when did that last happen ??? how is that comparable been all are civilians

[@kenb.8596]

Good man, Gr8 training an discipline goes a long way!!

[@southtexasprepper1837]

Well-deserved recipient of "The Victoria Cross." A extremely brave young man and a credit to his Service.

[@pault5947]

36 jealous, disrespectful 'nobodys' voted this video down. Little do they know that he would selflessly lay down his life for their freedoms too. Smh😔

[@seanatkinson770]

Bless you sir.

[@sniwashitu]

Thank you. For your patriotism

[@m4g36c]

Little late here, but MUCH respect from (former British Colony) NS, Canada ❤️ thank you

[@dazmac159]

Humble man, strong silent type!

[@danmorland3029]

One para, 20 taliban. Hardly fair really taliban should of brought back up 😂. Salute you mate!!!

[@thomasdoucettedoucette]

Bravo young man, bravo. You join a club that so few men can enter.

[@MeT2338]

Thank you for your service and bravery, Sir.

[@paulbehan7321]

Outstanding service above the normal expectations every deserving man and soldier

[@mpsymonds1]

The VC is very rare. To actually be lucky enough to be awarded it in person is even rarer. Normally a medal that is awarded posthumously. People that have been awarded the VC are not normal people. They may think they are but they a far from it.

[@marktibbott456]

Well done lad, all the best 👍

[@ericwilliams2317]

Wow, TOP BLOKE. well deserved mate.

[@damienmullan8880]

As a Vet I salute all our allies, the Americans, the Canadians, the Aussies and New Zealander’s the polish, the Gurkha Regiments the Irish and the Scottish all very brave and outstanding men in every sense of the word.

[@DaviesMartinezBeats]

And I assume his well deserved medal is in the post....

[@vancouveride]

Notice how the officer salutes first. Tradition for VC holders that all ranks salute first.

[@JammyDodger45]

No it isn't. That's totally made up in recent times. I met Bill Speskman VC at an event 15yrs or so ago and he said it was bollocks it never happened to him (and at that time there were even less living VC recipients than now).

[@tonyska]

What a fantastic young man. It's become fashionable to slate the younger generation, well this brave lad shows us that there many awesome ones out there today.

[@eaglelegend1]

Couldn’t agree more, just have to look beneath the layers of trustifarians....... Every generation has its heroes. Top lad

[@gazt445]

Superb action , from a superb regiment.

[@eamonnleyden7040]

So humble and this is coming from a paddy

[@hoofie2002]

The Army always has been as still is jam packed full of lads from over the water. The Irish Army offers f-all so why not join the Brits and see some action and a bit of the world?

[@lesthiele4921]

To have even a small amount of courage you must have a spine, and most politicians DON'T have a spine.

[@alexanderbarkman7832]

There has been a significant inflation in the bravery it takes to receive a VC.

[@edmonddantes3640]

It must be a very difficult and humbling thing, to carry the weight of being awarded your nation's highest honor for bravery for the rest of your life.

[@darrenmcc1968]

Good lad, a get a tear in my eye watching such things

[@orsonkaart1853]

True grit, true Brit!

[@neverinlife2]

Good on you a credit to your regiment family and U.K.

[@austingode]

Lucky to be alive ......