Former solider and author of "Out In The Army: My Life As A Gay Soldier," Lance Corporal James Wharton says Prince Harry, who was his tank commander at time, saved him from a homophobic attack according to Gawker. Wharton detailed the incident in his book crediting Prince Harry to be an honorable leader.
"I told him: 'I think I'm about to be murdered by the infantry.' I didn't hold back: I told him everything that had gone on," Wharton wrote. "I couldn't stop the tears from welling up in my eyes. He said: 'Right. I'm going to sort this s**t out once and for all.' He came back ten minuets later and told me the problem had been 'sorted.' He told me: 'I Knew one of his officers and we cleared everything up. I also told those other lads to back the f**k off, too.'"
According to the Daily Mail, Price Harry has received praise from fellow British troop leaders for protecting Wharton.
"The whole country will applaud Prince Harry. Our forced reflect the modern-day Britain they fight so hard to defend," said Jim Murphy, the Shadow Defense Secretary.
"Well done Harry, excellent leadership. It's typical of young officers in the British Army today, really superb," Tory MP Colonel Bob Stewart added.
Although homosexuality was "legal in the British Forces since 2000," Wharton said his initial training as the day he realized a homophobic culture was openly promoted.
"It was my first night in the Army, and the platoon sergeant was laying down a few ground rules for our basic training," he wrote. "'Be on time; have the correct equipment; don't bully anyone; and don't come out if you're a fag. I can't stand faggots,' he said. I was startled. Was the Army that openly homophobic?"
Prince Harry's leadership reportedly will forever be remembered by Wharton who said although homosexuals are allowed in the Army, there is still a lot of work to do.
