John Robert OSBORN (aka Company Sergeant Major, VC) [1899-1941]

Osborn was 42 years old, and a Warrant Officer Second Class, holding an appointment as Company Sergeant-Major for A Company in the 1st Battalion, The Winnipeg Grenadiers, during the Second World War when the following deed took place on Mount Butler, Hong Kong, for which he was awarded the VC.

The only Victoria Cross awarded for actions during the Battle of Hong Kong went to Company Sergeant Major John Osborn of the Winnipeg Grenadiers for his actions on Mount Butler on the 19th. 

After leading the attack up the hill, Osborn helped to set up defensive positions. But when the Japanese counterattacked and forced the Grenadiers from their positions, Osborn single-handedly covered his company’s retreat and directed the troops to a new defensive position. As Osborn and some Grenadiers took shelter in a building, Japanese soldiers started lobbing grenades into their position. 

While Osborn was throwing grenades back out of the building, one landed in a position that he could not reach in time. Shouting a warning to his men, Osborn jumped on the grenade. He died instantly but saved many lives.

source: wiki