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Tributes paid to soldier killed during journalist rescue
11.09.09
Tributes have been paid to a soldier killed during the rescue of a journalist kidnapped in Afghanistan.
Corporal John Harrison, 29, from the Parachute Regiment, was described as "a wonderful son, brother and a dedicated soldier" by his family.
He died in a daring pre-dawn operation on Wednesday to rescue Stephen Farrell, a reporter with the New York Times.
Mr Farrell, who holds dual British and Irish citizenship, was successfully released during the raid but his Afghan interpreter Sultan Munadi also died.
Cpl Harrison's family said: "We are absolutely heartbroken.
"John was a wonderful son, brother and a dedicated soldier who was greatly loved and cherished by all his family and friends."
His commanding officer, whose name was not released by the Ministry of Defence due to the special forces role of the unit, described him as "a tower of strength" and "a remarkable man".
He said: "Cpl John Harrison was an immensely capable, self- effacing and highly likeable soldier with an irrepressible humour.
"His hallmark was an undemonstrative, yet profound, professionalism; he cared deeply about his work, and more deeply still about those he commanded and served alongside.
"He was an unflinching and inspirational man with a deep, deep pool of courage, who died as he lived - at the forefront of his men.
"He gave his life for his comrades and the Parachute Regiment, both of which meant so much to him.
"Although his passing is a sad day for us, every member of the unit counts themselves privileged to have known such a tower of strength and we all are deeply honoured to have served alongside him.
"Our thoughts and prayers now turn to his family and friends at this most difficult time.
"We hope that in the midst of their profound loss, they can draw strength from the fond memories that we all share of this remarkable man."
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "Cpl John Harrison put his life on the line to rescue others.
"He made the ultimate sacrifice and acted heroically in the face of great danger, in the best tradition of the British Armed Forces and in full knowledge of the risks he faced.
"My thoughts are with his family, friends and comrades at this difficult time."
After the death was announced yesterday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Cpl Harrison had died "while acting with the greatest of courage in this most dangerous mission".
Mr Brown added: "His bravery will not be forgotten."
Reader views (10)
My heart goes out to the family of the brave soldier who gave the ultimate sacrifice to rescue this NYT reporter. I watched with outrage this morning as a CNN reporter and a guest spoke about the rescue and ultimate death of the reporters interpreter. There was not a word spoken about this reporters rescuers. Beware of the propaganda that you see and read coming from the US these days!!!!!!!You must be selective as to which newspaper and cable news programs to read and watch. These are trying times in the US. I really do fear for the future of my freedom with the current administration in power.
- Teresa Mills, Virginia Beach Virginia USA
A hero indeed--who gave all. His family can be nothing but proud to know that he did it for OUR FREEDOM. May they find the much needed comfort that only God can give.
- Ed, Kansas
Thank you Cpl Harrison for your courageous service to freedom loving people around the world. Godspeed
- Brian, California, U.S.A.
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I'm sad the New York Times will never honor this brave soldier the way he deserves. The media should be left to thier own defenses.
- Michelle, Peoria, Az. USA
What a shame. In a just world the NYT would be no more. The likes of this "journalist" and M. Dowd are a terrible exchange for a noble soldier.
- M. Harris, Tallahassee, FL
Ya'll don't know how much most normal Americans appreciate all the help, participation, time, money, leadership, support and blood the British Isles have given to what most people consider the American wars is Iraq and Afghanistan. I hate that this young hero died trying to save someone who's employer is so critical of the War on Terrorism, but alas, that is what heros do. "Theirs is not to ask why, but to do or die."
- Wes, North Carolina, USA
The handsome features of this brave young soldier will haunt me for a long, long time - yet words never suffice at times like these.
Every time we lose a brave young hero, we are much diminished - and `moving on' is not sufficient - but we must dig deep for all these fallen heroes' families, then take it on the chin and salute them in our own way.
- Ted, London
These military guys stand head and shoulders above the rest of the security forces, all the rest are second best. They are the ones who are really on the front line and taking large amounts of casualties for very little reward.
- Stephen,London, London, England
What was the final death toll in saving just this one wretched journalist? Should we be allowed to forget the others too? One report said civilians including women and children and scores of militants. And the irony was he went to report on the heavy handed attack by allied forces on an Afghan convoy.
- Albert Swift, Aberdeen, Scotland
the face of a proper hero. i hope Stephen Farrell takes a long hard look at this picture and realises that due to his stupidity this family has lost one of their own......
RIP
- Jonny, London
