Captain pulled two soldiers out of burning truck at Bajool
CAPTAIN Brandon Coghill did not hesitate in placing his own life at risk to save two colleagues from a burning truck that had been involved in a horror crash.
His heroics resulted in him being awarded a bravery medal, which he received at a ceremony in Government House in Brisbane last week.
Captain Coghill, along with other ADF members, was driving a packet of six armoured vehicles along the Bruce Hwy on September 29, 2010, towards Townsville when they witnessed a collision between two trucks near Bajool.
The two trucks immediately burst into flames spreading debris more than 100 metres.
The men stopped their vehicles and immediately went to assist the occupants of the two trucks who were seriously injured.
One of the drivers had been thrown clear of his vehicle while other people in the Army truck remained trapped.
Captain Coghill helped grabbing two soldiers.
He pulled them out of the cab through the windscreen away from the dangers of the inferno.
Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley said she was constantly in awe of the actions of ordinary people who were placed in extraordinary situations.
"I listen to the citations, listen to the details of their actions and stand in amazement at their bravery," she said.
"This was an exceptional act of courage.
"One thing that always impresses me is the modesty of all bravery award recipients."
