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Auction: 20003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 168

(x) An impressive campaign group of four awarded to Private (Sniper) A. L. Morgan, Parachute Regiment, who won a Joint Operations Commendation for his work with Task Force 42, the Special Forces Support Group special unit, with whom he served as Lead Sniper, working with the SBS to develop novel methods of helicopter sniping - on one occasion finding himself under sustained fire in an isolated position he turned the tide of battle and silenced his enemy

General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (25157569 Pte A L Morgan Para); Operational Service Medal 2000, for Afghanistan, 1 clasp, Afghanistan (25157569 Pte A L Morgan Para); Iraq 2003-11, no clasp (25157569 Pte A L Morgan Para); N.A.T.O. Medal 1994, 1 clasp, ISAF, first three mounted court-style as worn, good very fine (4)

Chief of Joint Operations Commendation, 25 July 2008. The citation states:

'Task Force 42 (TF42) is the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) contribution to operations in Afghanistan and is charged with the detection and capture of the most dangerous and effective members of the Taliban (TB) insurgency leadership. Private Morgan, employed as a Special Forces Support Group (SFSG) sniper, made an outstanding contribution to TF42 throughout his 6-month tour.

Private Morgan's performance was nothing short of outstanding and he was, for the entire 6-month tour, and inspiration to al the members of the SFSG on Operation KINDLE. Whilst still a young soldier, Morgan was ever-eager and never needed prompting; his commitment and proactive approach was one expected more from a JNCO. Private Morgan deployed on every ground assault during the tour. In the broadest sense, his dedication, professional ability and calmness contributed markedly to the Task Force's wider operational success. He earned great respect from highly experienced members of the Special Boat Service (SBS) in sniping. In particular, Morgan took the lead on developing helicopter sniping, with guidance from the SBS, and did so with tremendous enthusiasm and maturity. His hard work helped the wider TF develop new ways of sniper employment to deliver improved tactical effect.

One particular operation, Operation CALLAGHAN 4 on Christmas Eve [2007) demonstrated his ability. The operation, to detain TB insurgents, developed into a significant fire-fight. Morgan, a sniper in an isolated cordon position, came under a hail of effective fire from RPG, small arms, mortars and medium machine guns from several TB in the area. With no JNCO to look to for direction, Morgan re-positioned himself to a place where he could contribute more effectively, moving under fire and with little concern for his own safety. Once in a position he remained calm, despite the dangers and pressures, and delivered accurate, effective and precise fire to silence a number of TB who were seeking to kill him and the other members of the TF. Whilst doing so he provided a running commentary to his commander on what he could see, and what others should do to make the cordon more effective. His personal contribution, there is no doubt, saved lives; his judgement was impeccable and his tactical ability prevented the situation developing into something far more significant. His actions during this period of intense enemy fire and confusion typified the courage, ability and low level leadership he displayed throughout an intense and highly dangerous six-month tour.

Morgan's commitment - generally throughout the tour, and on many individual operations - has been outstanding. He has performed well above that expected of a Private and has shown tremendous courage, humility and eagerness to learn. His selfless commitment, outstanding performance and devotion to duty strongly merit officialy recognition'

Sold together with named boxes of issue for the Medals, original Commendation and copied citation, Interagency Operations Coordination Centre wall plaque and photographs.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£1,600

Starting price
£750