Samuel Shephard

For other people named Sam Shephard, see Sam Shephard (disambiguation).
Sam Shephard
Born 1987 (age 28–29)
Armagh, Northern Ireland
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch Royal Marines
Years of service 2011 – present
Rank Captain
Unit 40 Commando
Battles/wars War in Afghanistan
Awards George Cross

Captain Samuel John Shephard GC (born 1987) is a serving officer in the Royal Marines, who was awarded the George Cross in 2013 for his actions while trying to rescue a fellow officer named Lieutenant Damien "Day" Moran during a diving exercise in Al-Qusayr, Egypt.[1][2][3]

Early life

Shephard was born in Armagh, Northern Ireland. He was educated at The Royal School, Armagh, a grammar school, which he attended as a day pupil. In March 2004, he was the youngest player to win the Rugby Schools Cup against Campbell College in the final at Ravenhill, Belfast.[4]

Military career

On 5 September 2011, Shephard was commissioned in the Royal Marines as a second lieutenant; he was subsequently promoted to acting lieutenant.[5] He was promoted to lieutenant on 13 December 2012,[6] and to captain on 1 September 2013.[7] He is currently working on the Naval Staff.

Personal life

Soon after his award he became a member of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association, and has recently designed their website.[8]

Honours

Shephard has received the following medals:[9]

Ribbon Description Notes
George Cross (GC) Awarded on 3 October 2013
Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan

With Clasp

References

  1. ↑ "George Cross for heroic efforts of Marine who tried desperately to save comrade", The Daily Mail, London, 9 November 2014. Retrieved on 26 September 2015.
  2. ↑ "George Cross bravery award for friend who tried to save Kingston marine from tragic snorkelling accident". Surrey Comet. London. 22 May 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
  3. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 61008. p. 19314. 3 October 2014. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
  4. ↑ "Armagh win the Schools' Cup". BBC News. Belfast. 16 March 2004. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  5. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 60398. p. 1160. 22 January 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
  6. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 60383. p. 205. 8 January 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
  7. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 60669. p. 21335. 29 October 2013. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
  8. ↑ "About the VC and GC Association". Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  9. ↑ "The Prince of Wales Hosts Afternoon Tea for Members of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association". Getty Images. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
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