Pte Johnson Gideon Beharry (now a lance corporal) was awarded the Victoria Cross in April 2005. It made him the first living recipient of Britain's highest gallantry award in 35 years. 
Whilst serving as a British soldier with the 1st battalion, Princess of Wales Regiment, Beharry performed two exceptional acts of bravery and heroism, saving the lives of several comrades.
According to the Ministry of Defence Beharry was part of an operation to rescue a foot patrol that had become encircled by insurgent. He was driving at the front of a column of six armoured vehicles when his 30-tonne Warrior tank was hit by rocket-propelled grenades (RPG's). The explosions left two soldiers concussed and wounded. Despite this he still drove his tank through direct fire before taking a direct hit which caused the vehicle to burst into flames. Opening the tanks hatch to clear the smoke, a grenade blew it clean off. Beharry drove for almost a mile still under ferocious fire with his head exposed - he was hit by a bullet which penetrated his helmet - but he drove on leading his platoon to safety. He then re-entered his burning tank to rescue his commanding officer and several other times to pull out his comrades. 

He received medical attention after that incident, but was in action again soon. One month later a grenade exploded directly in front of his vehicle. With blood streaming down his face Beharry managed to reverse his vehicle out of harms way before falling into a coma.
Born in Grenada, he left the Eastern Caribbean Island to join the army where he found himself serving in the Iraq conflict. He was initially treated for his wounds in Kuwait but had to be flown to the UK to be treated for his more serious wounds.
Since being awarded the Victoria Cross, the soldier's private life has made headlines. A split from his wife Lynthia and his move to Camberwell in south London grabbed some column inches as part and parcel of stories on how his life has changed. At time of writing, he was still a serving soldier and it's thought a autobiography to be called: 'The Barefoot Soldier' will be published later in 2006.