KEY POINTS:
A New Zealand Army soldier has been commended for his courage following an attack by a suicide bomber in Egypt.
Lance Corporal Joshua Roewen was the driver of an international force vehicle on the Sinai Peninsula which was attacked in April 2006.
The explosion broke the windshield and a window and both tyres on the right side blew out.
Despite the shock of the explosion and the damage, Lance Corporal Roewen continued to drive for more than a kilometre, while using the vehicle's radio to contact the Force Operations Centre.
He found a safe open area, parked the vehicle on the shoulder of the road and established the area was secure. He then helped a Norwegian liaison officer he was travelling with to provide comfort to their three distressed Egyptian passengers.
Lance Corporal Roewen was serving with the Royal New Zealand Army Logistics Regiment in the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) at the time.
Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae said: "Throughout the incident, Lance Corporal Roewen displayed the highest levels of professionalism, competence and initiative.
"His actions in continuing to control the damaged vehicle, while maintaining communications with the Operations Centre were instrumental in the MFO response to this incident.
"Through his conduct Lance Corporal Roewen has earned the highest respect and admiration from his peers and superiors and is considered worthy of formal recognition."
- NZHERALD STAFF
