[WillowTheWhisp]

Originally Posted by jaysay

According to the news this morning the soldier triped a booby trap grenade, whilst on ordinary surveillance duties, not in any kind of fire fight

I think that's the crucial point. It doesn't make what he did any less brave and selfless and it really does seem rather foolish that there should be this distinction but that's where the line is drawn. The VC is only awarded to military personnel who are in direct conflict with the enemy (ie as in shooting at each other). The GC is for civilians and military personnel not involved in direct combat and that includes bombs and booby traps. They don't count as the enemy soldier isn't actually there on hand at the time. It does seem rather petty though and what this chap did was incredible.