Kate Nesbitt. (Military Cross)Fighting The Taliban.

Kate Nesbitt was born in Plymouth in 1988. On the 27th November 2009 she was presented with the Military Cross for exemplary service under fire. She comes from a military family, both her father and brothers served in the armed forces. Kate Nesbitt joined the Royal Navy in 2005. After training as a Medical Assistant, she was posted to Afghanistan in October 2008, the tour of duty was to last until March 2009. She was part of 3 Commando Brigade's deployment on Operation Herrick IX. She was attached to C Company, 1st Battalion The Rifles.

Her Actions.

On March 12fth 2009 the company was part of an operation in the Nawa region near Lashkar Gah, Helmand Provence. This operation was designed to clear Taliban forces away from the region. The company were handing out safety packs as well as food, all meant to re-assure the local population. Whilst engaged in this duty, they were ambushed by the Taliban. During the firefight which followed, Lance Corporal John List of the 1st Rifles, was shot through the neck. Via a radio message Medical Assistant Nesbitt heard the dreaded term 'Man down' Without thought for herself she ran for 70 metres. She was on open ground and under constant fire. She then attended Lance Corporal List for 45 minutes, she administered first aid, clearing his airways and reducing the loss of blood. Without doubt action saved the Corporals life.

Her Reward.

Her citation reads: '' Nesbitt's actions throughout a series of offensive operations were exemplary; under fire and under pressure her commitment and courage were inspirational and made the difference between life and death. She performed in the finest traditions of her service '' The Taliban were driven back from the incident and the area secured. The wounded man, who was by now stabilised, was airlifted to hospital by a US Blackhawk helicopter.

Medical Assistant Nesbitt was awarded the Military Cross. It was presented to her by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace on 27th November 2009. She is the first woman in the Royal Navy to be awarded the MC.

Christmas 2012.

Kate was contacted by the Prime Minister; David Cameron, he asked her to be on front of his Christmas card that year. Kate agreed immediately. When the card appeared there she was smiling proudly stood between the Prime Minister and his wife. A fitting tribute to a brave and remarkable young woman.

Awards.

MC. Military Cross.

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