Wounded Commander Honours Slain Trooper Pearce

Wounded Commander Honours Slain Driver

The commander of the ASLAV in which Trooper David Pearce was killed on Monday (08 October, 2007) has honoured his fallen driver by leading the pall bearers during the ramp ceremony at Tarin Kowt yesterday.

Lance-Corporal Michael Crossley, along with seven other members of Bravo Squadron, 2/14 Lighthorse Regiment carried Trooper Pearce's flag-draped casket through the honour guard bordering the Tarin Kowt airstrip.

Lance-Corporal Crossley described his driver as a dedicated soldier and father who lived life to the full. "Poppy loved his family and the army, and I know that he was doing what he loved when he died," Lance-Corporal Crossley said.

"He was an inspiration to all he met and no words can describe the loss that will be felt by all that had the honour of knowing him."

Defence spokesman Brigadier Andrew Nikolic said Lance-Corporal Crossley's dedication to his driver highlighted the strong bonds of mateship that tie servicemen and women together.

"Despite his wounds, Lance-Corporal Crossley insisted that he be a pall bearer and that he led the procession to the waiting Hercules," Brigadier Nikolic said.

"His strength of character, his dedication to the soldiers under his command and his true mateship were on display for all to see."

"His actions embody the true spirit of Army service and are an inspiration to his fellow soldiers."

ENDS

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