Legionnaire Alex Rowe (left) with his twin brother Mark, a Royal Engineer Captain

Alex Rowe was born in Newcastle, England and wanted to complete his childhood dream by becoming a soldier. At the age of 18 he enlisted with the British Army. However, he failed the compulsory medical examination. An issue with his eye would prevent him from joining his countryʼs military.

Looking to fulfill his ambition, he joined the French Foreign Legion.

Ironically, in spite of his eye condition he became a top marksman.

The 43-year-old Adjutant-chef had fought in some of the world's most hostile war zones, typically for Legionnaires. He served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Central Africa, and Ivory Coast before being sent to Afghanistan.

There he was involved in some of the fiercest fighting against the Taliban in the mountains east of Kabul.

After 23 years of courageous service he has been awarded the Legionʼs highest medal for valor, the Legion dʼhonneur. He performed heroic actions under fire while operating with an American Special Forces unit.

The citation made Rowe one of the most highly decorated of all legionnaires. He has received already 4 awards for bravery, and the Légion dʼhonneur is an honor unheard of for an English legionnaire.

Most Legionnaires have one citation but a few have two. Three is extremely rare.

He simply states of his service that "I haven't done anything more than my job."

His mother commented: “He absolutely loves it and does what he was born to do. He's incredibly brave, so much so that he can probably be considered bordering on stupid."