Willie apiata biography book

Willie Apiata's story, from his childhood to the events in Afghanistan which led to him being the first (and only so far) recipient of the Victoria Cross for New Zealand.

From his early life in small town East Coast New Zealand to his actions in the deserts of Afghanistan, this is his story in his words.

From his early life in small town East Coast New Zealand to his actions in the deserts of Afghanistan, this is his story in his words.

Lance Corporal Willie Apiata, a New Zealand Special Air Service trooper, was trapped at the front of a major fire-fight with suspected Taliban insurgents on.

Corporal Willie Apiata became the first New Zealander since the Second World War to be awarded the Commonwealth's highest military award for his actions with the NZ SAS in Afghanistan.

Paperback.

From his early life in small town East Coast New Zealand to his actions in the deserts of Afghanistan, this is his story in his words.

To explain - since 1999, New Zealand, as with most Commonwealth countries has had it's own honours system, separated from Britain. The award however, still retains its place as the highest honour bestowed on a member of the military for valour.

Britain has awarded only 15 VCs since the end of World War II.

When Apiata was named as recipient, it really changed the playing field in New Zealand. Until recently the NZSAS were a shadowy group, who were anonymous, and whose operations were classified and recovered no media coverage.

Apiata become public property.

For a man as modest and private as Apiata, this was the most uncomfortable situation he had ever been put in. Not that he had a choice, but he was told that the publicity was good for the SAS, and was good