Private Johnson Beharry, VC

Private Beharry, the driver of a Warrior armored vehicle, received the Victoria Cross for his actions in Iraq. I believe this is the first VC awarded since 1982, and the first to a living soldier since 1965.

He "carried out two individual acts of great heroism by which he saved the lives of his comrades." according to the citation.

In the first, he led a six-vehicle convoy through heavy fire in the southern Iraq town of Amarah in May 2004, delivering the soldiers to a secure area and returning twice to the vehicle under fire to carry the wounded to safety.

A month later, his vehicle was again hit and he suffered head injuries but was able to drive his colleagues to safety.

Beharry is still recovering from brain surgery.

For anyone out there who's ignorant about such things, the Victoria Cross is Britain's highest award - and although they hate the comparison, it's roughly equal to the U.S. Medal of Honor.