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Updated
15-05-10 17:19
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The Citation for the Joint Commanders Commendation "ON March 23, 2007, Lance Corporal Lundberg was commanding a section of the second Lancs battle group reconnaissance platoon during Operation Python in Al Qurnah, south southern Iraq. The platoon was one of three strike groups tasked to arrest a number of armed insurgents in the town. LCpl Lundberg, although a junior commander, was trusted with securing the rooftop of the target house known to contain one of the senior members of the insurgent group. His task was critical to platoon operations. as his section would dominate the immediate vicinity of the target house and protect the remainder of the platoon as they effected the arrest inside. The insurgents were known for attacking multinational force groups and therefore Armed resistance was expected. Deployed at night by helicopter and then on foot so the platoon achieved almost complete surprise, Having secured the rooftop of the target house, LCpl Lundberg began to deploy his section. It was at this point that they came under intense small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) from four different firing points in adjacent streets around the building. The attack against the house in which LCpl Lundberg and his section were located was sustained and well planned. During the initial onslaught, three RPGs hit the perimeter wall of the roof where LCpl Lundberg was taking cover in quick succession, seriously injuring him. Fortunate to be alive but Blinded by fragmentation in both eyes and bleeding profusely from his left arm, LCpl Lundberg fought to remain conscious. Recognising the importance of his section’s task in protecting the house, he continued to give orders to his Kingsmen, so ensuring that they remained tactically deployed and able to protect their comrades inside the house by returning fire. Throughout the ordeal, as he waited for several minutes under fire to be evacuated, although clearly in a great deal of pain, he remained calm, composed and encouraged his section to resist the enemy’s attack. LCpl Lundberg’s injuries were so severe that he will retain only partial sight in one eye and will remain blind in the other. Yet despite his injuries, he has continued to display courage, steadfastness and absolute determination to be positive that has been inspirational to his fellow patients at Selly Oak hospital and to his comrades who continue to serve in Iraq. Refusing to be downbeat, he has taken every obstacle as a challenge to be overcome. Refusing to be bound by medical timetables, he has pushed the boundaries of his convalescence in order to resume a more active life. Pragmatic and without bitterness, he has both exasperated and drawn admiration from the medical staff who have treated him. Many official regimental visitors have returned from a visit to see him moved and humbled by his determination and fortitude. The gallantry displayed by LCpl Lundberg on that night was without equal. His bravery under fire despite serious injury ensured that his section continued to fight bravely in a desperate situation. His sustained courage in subsequently dealing with his horrific injuries has inspired the battle group. He is truly deserving of formal recognition."
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