An Englishwoman who bravely defended her twin sister from a crocodile attack is set to be honored with a medal for her outstanding courage, as announced by the U.K. government.
The valiant recipient is Georgia Laurie and she will be awarded the King’s Gallantry Medal by King Charles III, a prestigious accolade recognizing the valorous actions of civilians.
The incident occurred during an excursion in Mexico in June 2021. While advised by a guide that it was safe to swim in a river, Melissa Laurie, Georgia’s twin sister, spotted a crocodile and warned the group to seek safety. Tragically, Melissa was seized by the reptile.
Responding to her sister’s cries for help, Georgia swiftly reentered the water to rescue her. Despite the danger, she managed to resuscitate Melissa after finding her unconscious in the river. However, their ordeal wasn’t over, as the crocodile returned before they could reach safety.
Georgia’s heroic actions in the face of danger truly showcase the power of sibling bonds and human resilience. It’s remarkable how she bravely fought off the crocodile not once, but twice, to protect her sister Melissa. Georgia’s quick thinking and unwavering determination undoubtedly saved Melissa’s life. And Melissa’s account of Georgia’s calming presence during their escape highlights the strength of their bond. It’s heartwarming to see such courage and love in the face of adversity.
Melissa Laurie endured an open fracture in her wrist, severe puncture wounds to her abdomen, and numerous injuries to her leg and foot. Her survival was attributed “almost entirely” to her sister’s remarkable bravery.
Following the harrowing attack, Melissa Laurie developed sepsis while hospitalized, requiring induction into a medically induced coma. Fortunately, she eventually recovered.
Reflecting on her experience, Georgia Laurie expressed feeling “truly honored” to receive the King’s Gallantry Medal. Expressing her surprise at the recognition, she emphasized Melissa’s unwavering courage throughout the ordeal, acknowledging her sister’s pivotal role in giving her the strength to persevere.
Looking ahead, the sisters aim to participate in England’s Thames Marathon in August, with the goal of raising approximately $5,000 for two causes. One focuses on PTSD treatment in the United Kingdom, while the other provides vital aid and medical training to communities in Mexico.
Civilian Gallantry List decoded
As a component of the honors system, the Civilian Gallantry List recognizes civilians who have displayed heroism by placing themselves in jeopardy to save or attempt to save someone’s life.
The nominees announced in March 2023 held particular significance as they constituted the last Civilian Gallantry List approved by Queen Elizabeth II after 70 years of such awards.
This year holds additional significance, as it marks the debut of the first list selected by King Charles, featuring newly designed medals reflecting the reign of the new monarch.
Candidates may receive either the King’s Gallantry Medal or The King’s Commendation for Bravery.
The former is granted for outstanding acts of courage that, while falling short of the criteria for the George Medal or the higher honor of the George Cross, surpass the standards required for The King’s Commendation.
What is the process for selecting nominees?
Nominees are typically selected based on their demonstrated acts of bravery and heroism, which involve placing themselves in danger to save or attempt to save someone else’s life. These nominations often come from the public, government officials, or organizations familiar with the heroic actions of the nominee. The nominations undergo thorough assessment and scrutiny by committees responsible for evaluating the merit of each case. Factors such as the nature of the act, the level of risk involved, the impact of the individual’s actions, and any other relevant considerations are taken into account during the selection process. Ultimately, nominees chosen for recognition on the Civilian Gallantry List are those whose actions exemplify extraordinary courage and selflessness.
To propose someone for this accolade, you can submit a nomination to the Cabinet Office. You’ll need to furnish the nominee’s full name, date of birth, address, and provide as many pertinent details about the incident as possible. The George Cross Committee, responsible for assessing nominations, evaluates the level of risk, the nominee’s awareness of the danger, and their persistence in their actions.
Both the nominee and the person they endeavored to assist must have been in jeopardy for the nomination to be considered. Consequently, certain acts of heroism, like resuscitation, may be more appropriately recognized by specialized organizations or local awards.
For a King’s Gallantry Nomination, the incident must have occurred within the last five years, and posthumous awards are possible. Recipients need not be British citizens, except for those receiving the George Cross.
