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http://news.sky.com/story/1434439/vc-hero-took-on-20-taliban-in-helmand-battle
A British soldier who showed "complete disregard" for his own safety has won the Victoria Cross for his role in a gun battle in Afghanistan.
Lance Corporal Joshua Leakey will receive the honour following a combined US/UK assault on a Taliban stronghold in Helmand Province in 2013.
His group came under attack from around 20 insurgents armed with machine guns and rocket propelled grenades.
Under heavy fire he ran to the top of a hill where he realised two friendly machine gun teams had been surrounded.
He then moved back down the hill to give first aid to a US Marine Corps captain and began casualty evacuation.
Despite being the most junior member of the group, he returned to the top of the hill to take control of a machine gun, before moving position to fire on the enemy.
Again Lance Cpl Leakey ran 200 metres down the hill, this time to pick up a second machine gun. In 45 degree heat he clambered back up again with 60lbs of equipment on his back, drawing fire.
The troops around him were inspired by his actions and started fighting back.
A British soldier who showed "complete disregard" for his own safety has won the Victoria Cross for his role in a gun battle in Afghanistan.
Lance Corporal Joshua Leakey will receive the honour following a combined US/UK assault on a Taliban stronghold in Helmand Province in 2013.
His group came under attack from around 20 insurgents armed with machine guns and rocket propelled grenades.
Under heavy fire he ran to the top of a hill where he realised two friendly machine gun teams had been surrounded.
He then moved back down the hill to give first aid to a US Marine Corps captain and began casualty evacuation.
Despite being the most junior member of the group, he returned to the top of the hill to take control of a machine gun, before moving position to fire on the enemy.
Again Lance Cpl Leakey ran 200 metres down the hill, this time to pick up a second machine gun. In 45 degree heat he clambered back up again with 60lbs of equipment on his back, drawing fire.
The troops around him were inspired by his actions and started fighting back.
