Samuel Shephard

Captain Samuel John Shephard GC (born 1987) is a serving officer in the Royal Marines, who was awarded the George Cross in 2013 for his actions whilst trying to rescue a fellow officer named Lieutenant Damien 'Day' Moran RM during a diving exercise in Al-Qusayr, Egypt.

Early life
Born in Armagh, Northern Ireland, Shephard attended The Royal School, Armagh as a day pupil and in March 2004 he was the youngest player to win the Rugby Schools Cup against Campbell College in the final at Ravenhill, Belfast. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Royal Marines on 5 September 2011, with a subsequent promotion to acting lieutenant. He was promoted to lieutenant on 13 December 2012.

Subsequent career
Soon after his award he became a member of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association, and has recently designed their website. Promoted to the rank of captain on 1 September 2013, he is currently working on the Naval Staff.

Medals
Shephard has received the following medals: