Afghanistan war hero puts medals on eBay
A war veteran who saw action over in Afghanistan is trying to sell his Military Cross medal on auction website eBay.
Alan Owens, who once served with the renowned Royal Irish Regiment, was awarded one of the military’s most prestigious honours for helping to develop a high level of empathy with the civilians living around him in Afghanistan that no amount of combat would ever have been able to establish.
Owens, who hails from Portadown in County Armagh, was first presented with the highly-regarded Military Cross back in March 2009. But it, as well as other military medals and their matching letters of congratulations, are now listed for sale on auction site eBay under the banner ‘real british military cross medal’.
While there is a starting bid of £25,000, there is also a ‘Buy It Now’ option than can be taken for £100,000. A citation, also posted on the listing, tells how Owens’ mentored the Afghan National Army and showed leadership and maturity exceeding that expected of a solider of both his rank and experience.
Also for sale is a Northern Ireland medal from 2003, an Iraq Medal from 2005, an Afghanistan Medal from 2006, and over 10 Letters Of Congratulations written by High Ranking Officers. While obviously some have questioned Owens’ moves, a spokesman from the Ministry of Defence announced that the Irishman has now left the army so he remains free to do as he wishes with his medals.
Unavailable for comment, the ex-solider himself is still yet to clarify why he wishes to sell off his accolades.