World War II Database

Full Title: Extraordinary Heroes: The Amazing Stories of the George and Victoria Cross Recipients

The Victoria Cross was first presented on 26 Jun 1857 by Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom to award those who displayed courage in the face of the enemy. On 24 Sep 1940, King George VI of the United Kingdom instituted the George Cross for those who were equally brave but in situations not in enemy action. The 1,760 holders of these awards past and present were among the bravest in the history of Britain and the Commonwealth Nations, and through Extraordinary Heroes Ruth Shepphard told the story of 80 recipients. All the entries were brief, each at one to two pages and most had at least one or two photographs, making the book an extremely easy read that felt much like a magazine. Sheppard's selection of the award winners were interesting, covering awardees not just from the United Kingdom but also from faraway nations in the British Empire in the past as India and Australia; the awardees participated in wars across history such as the Crimean War, WW2, and the currently ongoing War in Afghanistan. The stories were inspirational, well worth a read as they challenge us to be as gallant if we were ever put in such situations.