He was alive when it went in – he wasn’t alive when it came out
A simple quote to describe the actions of Lieutenant James Adamson, recently awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in Afghanistan.
In his own words…
“It was a split second decision.
“I either wasted vital seconds changing the magazine on my rifle or went over the top and did it more quickly with the bayonet.
“I took the second option. I jumped up over the bank of the river. He was just over the other side, almost touching distance.
“We caught each other’s eye as I went towards him but by then, for him, it was too late. There was no inner monologue going on in my head I was just reacting in the way that I was trained.
“He was alive when it went in – he wasn’t alive when it came out – it was that simple.”
No need for further comment