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300 pts
- New Zealand Military Forces: #1 of 1
- Infantry: #2 of 4
- World War II: #4 of 11
Charles Upham
Captain, New Zealand Military Forces
World War II
#5 of 15 global
Awards & Decorations
- Victoria Cross
- Victoria Cross for New Zealand
- 1939 1945 Star (1939)
- Africa Star
- Defence Medal (United Kingdom)
- War Medal 1939-45
- Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal
- Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal
- New Zealand War Service Medal
- New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal
- National Order of Honour and Merit — Grand Cross with Gold Badge
Ribbon Rack
Biography
Charles Hazlitt Upham was a New Zealand soldier during the Second World War. He is celebrated as one of only three people to have been awarded the Victoria Cross twice, and the only fighting combatant to receive this double honor. The other two recipients of dual Victoria Crosses were medical doctors, Arthur Martin-Leake and Noel Godfrey Chavasse.
Upham's exceptional bravery and leadership under fire during the campaigns in Greece, Crete, and North Africa cemented his status as a legendary figure in military history. His tactical skill and absolute disregard for his own safety during intense combat operations earned him the profound respect of his men and commanders alike.
His legacy remains a cornerstone of New Zealand's military heritage, embodying the highest standards of gallantry and devotion to duty. His actions during the war continue to be studied as premier examples of battlefield leadership and combat resolve.
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Score Breakdown
1939 1945 Star x1939(Not counted toward heroic score (Valor_Tier ≥ 5))
0Africa Star(Not counted toward heroic score (Valor_Tier ≥ 5))
0Defence Medal (United Kingdom)(Not counted toward heroic score (Valor_Tier ≥ 5))
0War Medal 1939-45(Not counted toward heroic score (Valor_Tier ≥ 5))
0Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal(Not counted toward heroic score (Valor_Tier ≥ 5))
0Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal(Not counted toward heroic score (Valor_Tier ≥ 5))
0National Order of Honour and Merit — Grand Cross with Gold Badge(100 pts × 1)
+100New Zealand War Service Medal(USM-25: not scored (non-heroism / decorative award))
0New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal(Not counted toward heroic score (Valor_Tier ≥ 5))
0Victoria Cross for New Zealand(100 pts × 1)
+100Victoria Cross(100 pts × 1)
+100Total (rounded to nearest 5)300 pts