Hero of HMS Astute shooting honoured 23.03.12
11A Royal Navy officer who lost his life tackling an armed sailor who turned his gun on his own crew on the nuclear submarine HMS Astute has been posthumously awarded the George Medal.
Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux died in the shooting as the vessel was docked during an official visit to Southampton in April last year.
His citation reads: "Lieutenant Commander Molyneux, with complete disregard for his own safety, had made an effort to tackle the gunman, knowingly put himself into extreme danger in order to safeguard others from personal injury."
Able Seaman Ryan Donovan later pleaded guilty to shooting him dead while on sentry duty after opening fire in the submarine's control room, also injuring another officer.
Lieutenant Commander Molyneux's actions, states the citation, were "incalculably brave and were carried out with in the highest possible service conditions of courage and selfless commitment."
It meant Donovan, who was also tackled by two civilian visitors, could be overwhelmed and disarmed.
His widow Gillian said she felt "extremely proud and humbled" to know that her husband's "remarkable bravery" has been recognised.
In a letter to Lt Cdr Molyneux's widow, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope said: "In giving his life to save others Ian demonstrated courage of the highest possible order. His selfless actions displayed incredible presence of mind and singular bravery."
Mrs Molyneux said: "On behalf of myself and our children, I wish to express how extremely proud and humbled we all feel to know that Ian's remarkable bravery has been recognised with such a prestigious award.
"Ian is so desperately missed, but his memory will live on through his four beautiful children and in the hearts and minds of all who knew him."
Donovan was jailed for at least 25 years in September for murdering Lt Cdr Molyneux and attempting to murder Lieutenant Commander Christopher Hodge, Petty Officer Christopher Brown, and Chief Petty Officer David McCoy.