Willie Apiata NZ SAS speech for victoria cross

[MrZzr12]

It does seem a sorry stunt as how is it possible that of the 4000 NZ men who served in vietnam none received the VC. Does this mean that they were not brave enough to put their lives at risk to save a mate. The gallant men of the vietnam war should be pissed about this award. Bommer 321 has nailed it in one

[bommer321]

This was a carefully orchestrated PR stunt to try and keep people in 1NZSASGP as at that stage they were almost at critical manning as heaps of the Group were leaving in droves to earn big money over in the Sand pit. And it worked the next 3 years of selections they had double the applicants congrats Jerry Matapare it worked

[bommer321]

Not very "RELUCTANT" has two books out one for kids and one for adults, a TV spot and DVD etc..... anyway its not a VC its an NZVC a relatively new award. And as he himself says he just did his job if he had done anything else he would have been RTUed. I wonder if he stil smokes dope and gets so pissed his is legless like he was on Ex swift eagle Tasman Exchange in 1993 when he was in 6 Hauraki

[stefansmom]

well done sir. i wish canada still had the VC as the top medal for valor.

[rollerballrico]

what a great bloke, good on him so glad NZ is on our side

[ValukaX]

Chur my maori keep raising the flag Kia Kaha cuz

[aarontsmall1975]

Yeah mate, an ordinary person put in a prick of a spot, who did what needed to be done. Respect

[Airus777]

Poor guy, I'd be the same, i can't stand speeches, get the nervs start shaking and gulping, shit sucks. He did a very good job, a legend.

[7781micky]

How humble is this man, a true LEGEND!!! A machine gunner from 2RRF

[AlienFirefox]

nice goin kiwis

we are beating yas though 2 to 1

[hakaboy6924]

full respect and aroha to his whanau and his people

[wigaz]

Maybe someone could explain to me why his awarding of the VC was made public in the first place? Shouldn't it have been kept secret along with his identity?

Either way he is an impressive individual who embodies everything I love about NZ!

[4lifeNz]

@wigaz

imo because hes sas and everything is secret it would of been, some of the other sas members received medals too for their part in the attack. I think its because it is the VC, and it is also the first ever new zealand VC to be awarded to someone, thats why its such a big deal.

He's definitely been placed in a big position to put his identity in the spotlight of the world, every terrorist knows who he is, knows hes with he the NZSAS and so on.

Hes a top bloke, repect to you bro

[Roddo08]

A true hallmark of an SAS soldier...someone who is unassuming, quiet and humble...but then there is the other side...

[MrEasyrider100]

I think that, apart from combat, earning the respect of their fellow SAS soldiers and officers is the most important test for these elite soldiers. At the end of this clip, Willie's Commanding Officer made a comment: "...I think he did a great job, but Willie was just Willie, he was just being himself, that is him that is Willie The Man". THAT IS RESPECT. WHO DARES WINS.

[0Zolrender0]

hes like any other VC winner...was shit scraed at the time..but got over it and thought of his mates and made sure he did his duty. and thats all any ANZAC has done. got shit scared. recovered. made sure mates were ok. and got on with it. the VC guys were jus t that and a bit more. i hasen to add if i was asking them were they shit scared, id bet them to tell me yes. courge is not the absece of fear, its the ability to conquer it....or maybe just put it aside for a few moments.

[BeaudeneNZCF]

" i see myself as Willie Apiata, im just an ordinary person and .... this is me"

true words of a hero

[devilndisquiz]

Thanks for uploading Steve :) Proud to be a Kiwi !!

[stevehn787]

Is anyone interested in seeing the whole documentry ?

If they are I will try and upload it all

[molanlabexm15]

@stevehn787 I would be very interested in seeing this warriors entire interview.

[stevehn787]

@molanlabexm15 I will try and get it uploaded this weekend, its on an old hard drive recorder, so just need to find some leads for PC

[molanlabexm15]

@stevehn787 Well you ought to. I will watch it. I found that the other videos of Cpl. Willie Apiata represented New Zealand above reproach. This is something i respect.

[stevehn787]

@molanlabexm15 hi, finally in the process of uploading now, part 1 and 2 are up, will be 5 or 6 parts in total, check out my profile for more now

[CumbyOnThePiss]

@stevehn787 have you uploaded it yet?

[stevehn787]

@CumbyOnThePiss hi, sorry no, i lent the Hard drive recorder to someone as dont use it, will see if i can get back, told him not to delete it

[stevehn787]

@CumbyOnThePiss hi, finally in the process of uploading now, part 1 and 2 are up, will be 5 or 6 parts in total, check out my profile for more now

[Duncansbaby]

Two worth pointing out. 1- His VC is easily worth £200,00 at auction(impressive) 2- Without a second thought he gave it to the War museum (truly impressive)

[Jehu30]

A true 'gentleman warrior'. Humble & genuine. Very well done.

[MrJimmyboy1972]

willie! as an ex soldier,thanks. i am at your back and you are at mine. your shout buddy!

[supercrazydude48]

True hero. I think particularly that the clip highlights how the press tend to open people up and access raw emotion, for better or worse. As Willie said, We dont do that where I come from. On a side note, does anyone know why it is that NZSAS and Aussie SAS can be publically identified, whilst all members of UKSF remain unkown?

[lrnewto]

class act. You just do it. as a ex SAS i know what it means ,tough. good stuff .Well trained. But no one can understand the moment. You need to be there. It just happens.

[bokson4]

the man has great character, well done!

[DutchPetriot]

Outmost respect. This year we in the Netherlands also had a SF soldiers ( Korps Commandotroepen ) decoraded the Williams Orde ( equivelant victoria cross ) he was the first individual to be decoraded the Orde sinds Korea.

[Codis998]

He's really BRIGHT!

[rulebrittaniaPTBB]

i remember hearing about this guy on telly. Top bloke. Shame more kiwis arent recognised for bravery

[leady73]

brave man am English and i am proud of NZ glad there with us rather than against us i will say that god bless them all

[vanessajeanjohnson]

legend, New Zealand, proud.

[htornis]

Haha, it's amazing how grizzled he looks from the Afghanistan photos compared to here. Apiata = stuff of legends.

[stefkova1234]

omg he is so cute..probably more of an ordeal being in front of the press than in the warzone. we owe freedom to brave men like him defending our countries. let's hope the troops pull out and he can go back to living a relatively normal family life in nz...you are the shit willie

[noelnavarro]

A strong and humble man... I'm inspired!

[neohip]

I am proud that there are men like him defending us.They do it so that we don't have too,and Willie is a fine man,among our very best.

[goblinking169]

wouldnt mind someone uploading the 1 hr docco about him

[loui0008]

A real man - what a great example.

[Gibmeister7000]

"I was just looking after my mates"

Humble, honourable, heroic.

What a man.

[antimong]

No wonder we Aussies do so well. With Bro's like this across the tasman the ANZAC Legend will never fade.

Willie Apiata a true HERO.... Well done lad.

[harropizza]

@antimong

you are an Australian that I respect

[lueze123]

i cant belive how quiet an modest the guy is. to think the amount ov stupid little boys who get pissed an think they r hard cuz they r in a crowd. then look at willie, a true warrior, a real man.

[Thunda1986]

yeah all maoris are like that it's not a fair comparision but stan walker in idol was very humble

[papahet1889]

what a unbelievable humble man wether he sees himself as a hero or not he is same as aussie sas trooper mark donaldson legends

[saorscott]

after watching this i realize willie apiata is a special kind of guy looking out for his mates first a true inspiration to all

[plzMFwakeupmyhumanz]

pure hero threw & threw! my people "maori" do not have to go to war we never should anyway, but look what happens when maori mana is on the scene ; ) tino ranga tira tanga, ngapuhi, hokianga hearty hard! taheke/kaikohe cassidy's! chur! chur! maori chur! mean maori mean! salute/ to Sir Willy Apiata.

[br1malhpm]

the strongest and the bravest people in teh world are the most emotional .

[mcbreensnz]

i see myself as wiile apiata

[mcbreensnz]

most trusted nzer two years running

[TankCatIntoMordor]

Always like coming back and watching these videos, awesome stuff!

[stevehn787]

Glad you enjoy it, I should get round to putting the whole video up one day

[stevehn787]

@TankCatIntoMordor hi, finally in the process of uploading now, part 1 and 2 are up, will be 5 or 6 parts in total, check out my profile for more now

[Jamac007]

willie the man!

[TheRespectGang]

so true

[Factnotfictionpeople]

Bless you!

[canariojoe]

¡¡ TORERO !! ["bullfighter" we call the brave]

All the best from Spain.

[whataweta]

Was supposed to give a thumbs up, instead without thinking hit the thumbs down, bugger, three +s to you dude, sorry.

[canariojoe]

I am afraid you DID NOT understand the message. No problem.

[whataweta]

DID NOT??? you call him brave, what is there to understand except that it is true, sorry mate but I think you did not understand my message. I gave you a compliment.

[canariojoe]

No problem, kiwi. I guess I get the message now.

All the best from Spain.

[ZEEZ142]

3:08

legend

[bobgladstone]

Well done Willie well deserved

thanks for posting

Please check out my VC tributes and my online petition for VC Day

Thanks

[extremedavo1979]

You sir a fkn hero!

[millymoogle]

congrats man. you looked after your mates, now the entire country of New Zealand will forever look after you.

[whispperson]

Well Done Willie Apiata.

I Live in Britain and i am Not in the Military but i Support All What You Brave Men and Women Do in this Sick and Twisted World that we Live in.

Thank You New Zealand and God Bless You.

[buttsyrc8]

And a mention for Fiji as well and the others that I do not know about.

Know the Fijians were in the SAS and were admired by the Brits!

[partybiscuit]

A true hero. I hope one day he is able to truly appreciate what he has done. It must of been traumatic.

[buttsyrc8]

Well done NZ!

A VC is a massive honour!

And of course God Bless all the Brit soldiers and the NZ and the Aussies.

Some men are so brave that it can make you cry

!

[ledzeplad]

perfect comment!!!!!!

[tahisonam111]

u serious mate.,h3h3

[buttsyrc8]

you have to be clearer!

what is h3h3 - is it an insult to the VC am not sure but hope not an insult to the kiwis

[fonsy85]

poor lad...his life just turned upside down..!obviously a great honor but i'd bet anything he would prefer to be with his troop and therefore not win the vc as he was compromised totally by it..

[swanningaround]

Willie Apiata. A man like Albert Jacka, Audie Murphy or Alvin York. A great hero, and modest too. The VC of NZ is up there with the MOH and the heroic deeds of Canadians at Vimy Ridge.

[buttsyrc8]

Probably the most famous VC.

Have read a little about Albert Jacka but a good book is needed.

God bless that mad and brave boy!

From UK

[leeds0united]

What did he do to gain the VC?

[hunter2979]

canada congulates this man of valour

[buttsyrc8]

Of course is a true figher.

God bless him as is a legend!

[rgp2130]

This man is truly a hero and rightfully deserves recognition. To see him humbled by this fanfare is a true recognition of a NZSAS soldier where humility is one of its tenets. Well done Cpl Apiata.

[swanningaround]

What a hero. These guys are modest, like Audie Murphy was. Quite a difference from Olympic Gold Medal winners who are usually never modest, for example, the arrogant displays of USA top athlete LeBron James.

[courtney359]

Does the British armed forces or the queen get involved or is it just a nz affair ?In the uk the vc is aways pinned on by a royal at Buckingham palace.

[courtney359]

I think hes been watching too many clint eastwood movies.

[garrymack]

To think that people like Willy can achieve something of this magnitude and still view them selves as being "just Willie Apiata" makes me very proud to be a New Zealander. Hes so humble he doesn't seem to know what to do with himself..

[stevehn787]

was one that was on anzac day this year, showing him getting told of his VC, media conference and presentation etc

[simoncuming41]

Bloody reporters asking stupid insensitive questions! Obviously, not a memorable time in the frontline! The medal is very symbolic of that event. Is it really a good thing in that respect? I guess winners keep it well hidden away and forget about it!

[stevehn787]

the documentry was really well done, I recorded it, and have watched several times, a very humble man in it

[aarhap]

I'm honoured to have met Cpl Apiata VC. I met him when he visited my school (PNBHS), which is featured in this documentary.

[maccermacnab]

which doco is that?