KEY POINTS:
Here is an earlier selection of your messages to him:
Ray (Upper Hutt)
Corporal Willy Apiata VC exemplifies all that is good and true about soldiering in its purest form. Selfless and self effacing he truly serves his country and his comrades. That this man and his regiment can achieve such great things without the massive resources available to many of their fellow special forces units amongst our allies is tribute indeed to the ANZAC spirit and the kiwi can do attitude which has been witnessed on every field of battle from Gallipoli to Afghanistan. Corporal your nation salutes you! Kia kaha!
Craig Stephenson
During the North African campaign of WWII, the well regarded German Army officer General Rommel said "Give me 2 million Anzacs and I could rule the world" It was a term of respect for the fighting spirit and ability of his foe. Corporal Bill (Willy) Apiata states that he was only doing his job, but his actions under fire has shown the spirit that our enemies admired in previous engagements still exists today. To every member of 1nzsas, we are so proud of you all.
Tony (Palmerston North)
Congratulations. You are a true and well deserving hero, someone for all Kiwis to look up to (especially the youngsters). You make me proud to be a kiwi. Kia kaha.
Guv (New Plymouth)
Willy, He mihi nui ki a koe, on behalf of the members of Victor Company (V1 1967) well done and congratulations.
Paul (Sydney)
Aussies don't normally cheer for Kiwis - but on this one we do! A truly worthy recipient of the most honoured military award. Corporal Apiata is a great ambassador for New Zealand and someone who embodies the great ANZAC tradition. Both sides of the Tasman think this award is fantastic and well deserved. New Zealand should be proud of this honoured son.
Nick (Taupo)
To all the brave men
A Victoria Cross awarded today
a debt of honour a country to pay
just doing his job he saved a mate
leaving the outcome decided by fate
he serves his country a man who stands tall
a Kiwi soldier a symbol to all
humble and shy not wanting the praise
perhaps one and all we should follow his ways
deeds such as this are a symbol to a nation
that its men like him that gives us our station
to all like him we owe an unpayable debt
he and his mates do as we have slept
thanks to him and the men by his side
we live as we do and don't have to hide
Cpl Apiata, you are a light for us to remember that you, those with you, and those before you give us freedom. You give us hope. God bless.
Lexington Green
Respect, admiration and gratitude from the USA. The USA, UK, Aus, NZ and Canada have been allies (on and off, but mostly on) for 90 years this year -- since 1917. The world is still a dangerous place. Our families are protected by brave men like Cpl. Apiata going where the enemy is, and destroying the enemy there.
D Richardson
Well done and congratulations as an ex-soldier in the UK I am in awe of your courage and bravery.
Mike
Tolkien couldn't have said it better:
"all that is gold, does not glitter"
There is still some honour in New Zealand, I salute you sir.
Mike (Rotorua)
Well done "Willy form Te Kaha" Tu-mata-uenga and your brothers in arms before and present smile on you these days. You have bought great mana to your huanga. God's speed from this Ngati Hei solider.
Jonty (Hicks Bay)
Tena koe e te rangatira. You are living testament to the capability of the NZSAS. By all accounts, everything you learned in your training was brought to the fore in the heat of that battle and you performed your 'job' with the utmost professionalism and the selflessness ingrained in you by the unit. I understand how receiving this prestigious award may seem a little disconcerting to you when you know full well any of your mates would have done the same thing for you. But, my friend, that makes you no less deserving for being the one to have done it. Mate, I'm guessing that your friend would have weighed, what, around 100kg in full kit? I don't know a lot of people that can LIFT that much weight off the ground, let alone run with it over 70m under all types of duress. I'll just say that I'm proud to call you 'one of our boys', as a new generation prepares to emulate the finest of Kiwi traditions.
Eagle - Oceania/Polynesia/La Australia del Espiritu Santo
Cpl Bill Apiata, Brother Nga Puhi.
Very moved and very proud of your story. You did what you had to do. Nothing less. I trust Cpl D bought you a case. You could have been in the All Blacks team Saturday night man, pumpin' legs not lead. Unswerving and wholly committed mighty deed of duty. Bless your brothers for shooting over your handsome Maori scone. Bless your family, your country, our people and our free world. Peace through service, and duty above and beyond
Ronald E Southon, Kahugnunu iwi
William Emerson (West Virginia, USA)
I hope Bill Apiata's folks are proud of him, wherever they might be. Character is everything and he has plenty of it. Hell,I don't even know'im and I'm proud of him.
V Templeton (currently in China)
Onya bro. You did good.
Dames
Cher cuz, Damien Waititi here. Haven't seen you 4 ages, just like to send my congrats to you cuz, thats awsome, you the man. I'm in all the way over in kalgoorlie and heard about it, mean as. I've been telling everyone I know him, yea, too much anyway cuz.
Damien
Raewyn Bastion (Australia) I would like to add my congratulations to Corporal Apiata who embodies all that we hold dear as New Zealanders. A sense of duty, love of your fellow man and modesty things we would all aspire to. I have lived in Australia for many years but hold my position as a very proud Kiwi always, today I am prouder than ever thanks to this very brave , courageous and humble man. I am the Granddaughter of a world War 1 Veteran, Daughter of a World War 2 Veteran and the War Widow of an Australian Veteran. Beat Wishes to you and yours Corporal Apiata and thank you from me a very proud Kiwi.
John Macdonald
I read an article in the Aberdeen published Press & Journal newspaper this morning which mentioned that a New Zealander had been awarded the Victoria Cross. I have now read about Bill Apiata's act of bravery, and send him good wishes from Inverness in Scotland. It is reassuring to know that the Kiwis have been fighting alongside NATO forces in Afghanistan. Thank you.
Matchitt Family
Ka nui te miharo, e te uri o Tumatauenga, to kanohi i puta i te mura o te ahi i te pae o te pakanga,i hoki ora mai koe ki te kainga, na to whakaaro i ora ai to hoa, heoi ano kare he aroha i rahi ake i tera. Kua whakawhiwhia ki a koe te tohu o te wikitoria, ko te honore ka hoki mai ki te iwi. He honore ki te Atua i runga, he whakaaro pai ki te tangata.
Ka pai to mahi e Willy, tenei to iwi te tu whakahihi nei. Te Whanau Matchitt ki Te Kaha.
Tina (North Shore)
To Corporal Bill Apiata, VC, you make us proud today to be a New Zealander and an inspiration to the younger generation. Stay well and God bless.
Angela (formerly of Auckland, now of Melbourne)
Dear Willy, you do us all proud on both sides of the Tasman ditch. All power to you and yours. Best wishes.
Westie
Corporal Apiata shows us how superficial our lives have become. How shallow the otherwise fascinating America's Cup, or the rugby, or the other inane entertainment we watch on television now seem when viewed against the actions of this man who is one of us. This man who made a decision that soldiers make every day when in combat, and in doing so, he gifts to our youth a different set of values that typify the warrior he is. Knowing but dismissing the odds that were stacked against him, he decided to go for it anyway to help a comrade, a fellow soldier in desperate need. This is a real man who honors, protects and values his fellow soldiers/friends and whanau. I am really pleased and proud to live in the same country and that he is the same 'ethnicity' as me! No need to say 'kia kaha bro' you just re-wrote the book of present day Maori mana.
Japanizzler (Fukuoka, Japan)
Hey Big Willy, Just wanted to let you know its great to see the brothers put others before themselves. I am a Samoan-born Kiwi living in Japan at the moment. To here of you Samaritan acts makes me proud to be a Kiwi. God Bless.
Kane
Willy Apiata, it is so nice to hear a story of a Kiwi that warms the heart, I have no doubt I would want you on my side if we ever had to go to battle together. You are an inspiration to me. I have a young son and if he grows up to be half the man you are I will be forever grateful. Thanks Willy you have certainly made the big time, not money, not fame and not power as that is not important to me, you have made it, being loyal, humble and trustworthy, I don't know you but I would certainly trust you with my life!
Robbie, Ex Cpl NZSAS, Capt. USAFR (rtd)
Outstanding! Another humble and modest kiwi. Congratulations, sir!
Hone (Onepu)
Kia ora bro, at the end of the day you were doing what any friend would do for his mate. As an ex-soldier I understand. Nga mihi Willy for doing what any soldier would do for his mate. Ano te mihi e te rangatira.
Allan - ya panelbeater
Hey Willy, always told ya you were a "crazy" bugger. Mate, Craig and I are so proud of you and you didn't say a word about it when you got back either. Wow man, the most humble and sincere guy we have ever met. How's the ute going? Did ya get it finished? I still have your port, haven't opened it yet hahahaha!
Once again, Well done buddy.
Betty, from Te Kaha living in Hobart
Hi Willy, you don't know me, surfing the net and it sure is fantastic that someone from Te Kaha has been awarded the VC as I am from Te Kaha (Kahaki). Congratulations Willy saw Mary Walker taught you, she taught me as well. Knowing the folks back home they will hold a big party for you at Tukaki enjoy Willy and once again congratulations.
Nik (Auckland)
Willy you do us proud with your humility and courage. Your acts put our more trivial daily worries into perspective, and as we read the other heartfelt comments on this site we all feel better for doing so. Your whanau and tupuna are truly proud.
Geoff (Victoria, Australia)
I was at the MCG on Saturday night, supporting my Wallabies but eagerly looking forward to some AB magic. The support for each side was intense and passionate but in the end it mattered not because we left that ground as one, united by bonds strong and resolute.
So to Cpl Willy Apiata, a proud Maori, a proud Kiwi and a soldier of the true ANZAC spirit, we across the Ditch stand and salute you.
Kathy, Proud to be a Kiwi (Marton)
Congratulations Willy! Your concern for your brother soldiers before yourself are virtues to be proud of. When I hear of the brave exploits of Cpl. Apiata in Afghanistan I feel so proud to be a Kiwi, good on you mate. We need more heroes of your calibre.
Rosina
Well done bro - Ka mihi nui kia koe.Mauri ora, na Rosina.
Lisa (Newmarket, Auckland)
Last night I made my 2 young children sit down and watch the news article on Corporal Apiata, I tried to explain to them what he was receiving the VC for and how it came about, if my sons grow to be half the person that you have become I will be forever grateful. I have never in my life been so proud to be a New Zealander and especially Maori, what you did was nothing short of miraculous, I wish you well in your life and you are truly an inspiration to all New Zealanders. Kia kaha.
Gunnedah Australia
I have a couple of Kiwi friends in W.A. both ex NZ Army. Fraser Wiliamson, served in Vietnam with a soldier of the same surname as the recent V.C. winner. Has this young soldier relations who may have served with Fraser? I believe Fraser served in Victor company? All the best Rob. Greenshields.
Thunder
I think it really puts our 'sporting' heroes in perspective when a true hero like this is in the spotlight! Good for him!
JR
Willie - you represent to all New Zealanders the very best of Maori and I genuinely salute you. Should my Maori children follow the powerful example you have set, rather than the one portrayed by our leaders, I could die happy. It's unfortunate that there are very few NZers these days of any race, who would act in such a manner without first determining "what's in it for me".
Tane (ex-pat in Sydney)
Kotahi Tatau. One people one Nation. I am so proud to be a Kiwi! Congratulations Willy you're an absolute legend. Though our cultural backgrounds be diverse, we are one people. God defend New Zealand.
Mike (Remuera)
Thank you Corporal Willy Apiata VC and all your comrades for helping keep myself and those I love safe!
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - George Orwell
Tho in this case its the humble and honourable that stand ready! If there was ever a Kiwi who could tick "Jedi" in the census!
HM (Hamilton)
In a world saturated by false 'celebrities' and attention seeking wannabe's it is marvellous that teachers will be able to stand up in class and present to their students a case study of a contemporary NZ hero. Willy Apiata represents that what is best about NZ through his bloodlines (both pakeha and Maori) and now his actions in extraordinary circumstances. Kia Matara, Kia Totika Bill.
Tamati (Little Awanui)
Tena koe e hoa! Proud as to be from Apanui, all the uncles and koros are stoked, especially the nannies and aunties, they all crying for you. The kapa haka definitely gona have some waiatas about you! Tamati Waaka
Marion (Dunedin)
To Corporal Bill Apiata,
Congratulations on your wonderful award. It is so inspiring to hear of your superb bravery. All of New Zealand is so proud of you. You are now a special part of our history. Kind regards, Marion Potter
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