The paratrooper who showed “complete disregard” for his own safety during a Taliban attack in Afghanistan has been awarded the Victoria Cross – the highest British military honour.
L/Cpl Joshua Leakey, 27, of the Parachute Regiment, was recognised for his valour during the 2013 attack.
He is the third serviceman – and the first living servicemen – to receive the medal for service in Afghanistan
reported BBC .
L/Cpl Leakey, from Hampshire, said he was “deeply honoured”.
He has been recognised with the VC almost 70 years after another member of his family was awarded the same honour.
L/Cpl Leakey’s second cousin twice removed, Sergeant Nigel Gray Leakey, was a posthumous recipient of the VC in November 1945, for his actions while fighting in Africa during the Second World War.
He has been awarded the medal for his bravery during an assault on a Taliban stronghold in Helmand province, on 22 August 2013.
Despite coming under enemy fire, L/Cpl Leakey twice came to the aid of a wounded US Marine Corps captain and helped forces regain the initiative after they had been pinned down by fire and surrounded by insurgents.