A brave sergeant who received the George Cross for his heroic actions during World War II, risking his life to save others from a burning building. He showed extraordinary courage in the face of danger.
Michael Willetts is renowned for being one of the first British soldiers to be killed during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and posthumously receiving the George Cross for his extraordinary bravery in saving lives during a Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) bombing.
Willetts was born on August 13, 1943, in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, England. After leaving school, he worked briefly at a local colliery before joining the British Army, serving in the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment.
During his time in the army, Willetts married his wife, Sandra, and had two children, Dean and Trudy. He served in several tours abroad and was promoted to sergeant before being dispatched to Northern Ireland in 1971, where he was stationed at Springfield Road police station in Belfast.
On May 25, 1971, Willetts' life was cut short in a Provisional IRA bomb attack on the barracks. A suicide bomber emerged from a car and threw a suitcase containing a blast bomb into the lobby of the station. Without hesitation, Willetts pushed two children and two adults into a corner and stood above them, shielding them from the blast.
The 30-pound bomb detonated, seriously injuring Willetts. He was struck in the back of the head by a chunk of metal from a locker, which proved to be fatal. As he was being removed by ambulance, he and the injured officers were subjected to jeers and obscenities from local youths.
Willetts' bravery and selflessness in the face of danger earned him the George Cross, the highest civilian honor in the United Kingdom. His medal citation reads, in part, "Sergeant Willetts' actions were of the highest order of bravery and devotion to duty."
The Harvey Andrews song "Soldier" commemorates Willetts' heroism, ensuring his memory lives on. His legacy serves as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during the Troubles, and his story continues to inspire generations to come.
Michael Willetts' story serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of bravery, sacrifice, and devotion to duty. His legacy continues to influence modern society, inspiring individuals to stand up for what is right, even in the face of danger.
73 Years Old
A British spy catcher and author who exposed Soviet moles within MI5, revealing shocking truths about Cold War espionage. His memoirs sparked a national controversy.
