The SAS has several soldiers who have played a pivotal role in the development of the organisation.
The organisation has played a role in several missions around the world and protecting the United Kingdom.
Here are seven of the most highly decorated or prominently honoured men associated with the SAS.
Paddy Mayne
Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Blair "Paddy" Mayne is widely regarded as the most decorated SAS officer of the Second World War.
He received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and three Bars, representing four awards of the DSO, for repeated bravery during operations in North Africa, Sicily, France, and Germany.
Mayne was also awarded the French Légion d’honneur and Croix de Guerre.
Anders Lassen
Major Anders Lassen was a Danish officer who served with Britain’s special forces and became the only non-Commonwealth recipient of the Victoria Cross during the Second World War.
He had already been awarded the Military Cross and two Bars for earlier operations before receiving the VC posthumously for his leadership and extraordinary courage during Operation Roast at Lake Comacchio in Italy in April 1945.
Roy Farran
Major Roy Farran, who sometimes operated under the name "Paddy McGinty," was one of the most decorated SAS officers of the European campaigns.
His honours included the Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, and two Bars, reflecting repeated gallantry during operations in Italy and occupied Europe.
Reg Seekings
Sergeant Major Albert Reginald "Reg" Seekings was a highly decorated original SAS soldier whose record illustrates the dangerous, close-range nature of early desert operations.
He received the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and the Military Medal (MM), with his DCM citation recording participation in ten raids and exceptional courage in attacks on enemy aircraft and positions.
Andy McNab
Andy McNab, the pseudonym of Steven Billy Mitchell, became one of the most highly decorated serving British soldiers of his era.
He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Military Medal, with the DCM announced for his leadership during the 1991 Gulf War patrol later known as Bravo Two Zero.
Chris Ryan
Chris Ryan, the pen name of Colin Armstrong, served as an SAS sergeant and received the Military Medal for his actions during the Gulf War.
He was the only member of the Bravo Two Zero patrol to escape from Iraq and reach safety after a prolonged evasion journey.
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Peter Ratcliffe
Major Peter "Billy" Ratcliffe was a long-serving SAS soldier and later Regimental Sergeant Major of 22 SAS.
He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry during the 1991 Gulf War after taking command of A Squadron in unusual circumstances and leading a raid against an Iraqi communications facility.
These men have played a pivotal role in the development of the SAS and have been recognised for their bravery and service.
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