Distinguished Gallery

Captain Charles Upham

Portrait of double VC winner, Captain Charles Upham (). Born in New Zealand, Upham was a sheep farmer who distinguished himself during World War Two on two occasions. On July 14th/15th 1942, Captain Upham led an attack on a strong enemy position at El Ruweisat Ridge in the Western Desert. Despite being wounded in one arm, he destroyed a tank and several guns and vehicles, returning to his company after his wound was dressed and remaining with them until he was severely wounded and captured. Previous to that in May 1941, he had won the Victoria Cross for conspicuous gallantry during operations in Crete. He is one of only three men to have won the Victoria Cross and Bar since its institution in 1856. The other two, Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Martin-Leake and Captain Noel Chavasse are also included in this picture.

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Astronaut Virgil ?Gus? Grissom receives the NASA Distin?

Astronaut Virgil ?Gus? Grissom receives the NASA Distinguished Service Medal from James E. Webb, NASA Administrator, right, during a news conference at Cape Canaveral, the day after his sub-orbital flight, which had reached an altitude of 118 miles, 22 July 1961. Looking on are Grissom?s wife, Betty, and their two sons Scott and Mark. Date: 1961

© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library

Jean-Joseph Dessoles

JEAN-JOSEPH-PAUL-AUGUSTIN marquis DESSOLES - French soldier who distinguished himself throughout the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars and later as a minister. Date: 1767 - 1828

© Mary Evans Picture Library

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