PTSD Royal Irish Regiment Iraq Hero Selling Medals

Iraq war hero to sell off his medals as he battles with post-traumatic stress disorder 
Belfast Telegraph
By David Young
March 5, 2016

He felt that he first noticed the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in 2005 but was not diagnosed until 2009. "You serve your country and end up feeling like I do," Trevor said.

Sgt Trevor Coult with the medals he has put up for auction

Former sergeant Trevor Coult (41) was awarded the Military Cross in 2006 for his bravery in a machine-gun ambush involving suicide bombers and gunmen in Baghdad.

Three armed insurgents stopped his multi-vehicle convoy on a stretch of road billed as the most dangerous in the world, opening fire on the stationary vehicles.

Acting as top cover sentry in the rear vehicle, he managed to return fire and control his vehicle, allowing two other convoy crews to retreat.

The former Royal Irish Regiment soldier, who now lives in Suffolk, said: "Every day is such a struggle for me. Over the past few years I've lost six ex-colleagues to suicide."

Trevor, who has a wife, Luba, and a five-year-old son, Sebastian, added: "The medals bring back bad memories for me. I've put them up for sale as someone will enjoy them more than me."

The Military Cross is the Army's third highest honour, behind the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross and the Victoria Cross.

Trevor's commanding officer, Lt Colonel Michael McGovern, described him as being "an outstanding young man of courage".

He was later honoured by both the Queen and former American President George Bush.
read more here