By then the casualties, including Cpl Mather, were on stretchers preparing to be airlifted to safety, but he continued to give instructions.

He said: "As the medics’ helicopter landed, I told the guys on the radio I was handing it over because I had to get evacuated for medical treatment.

"It was not until I was on the helicopter that I took some morphine to ease the pain. It is my job is to provide the company with accurate low collateral damage weapons from the air."

A spokesman for the Ministry of defence said: "He refused to relinquish his radio until he was placed aboard the helicopter. Badly wounded, he showed complete disregard for his own safety and well-being.

"He focused solely on delivering the accurate fire support needed to extract his comrades from danger, acts of the utmost professionalism and selflessness, in close contact with the enemy.

"For his actions, Corporal Mather is awarded the Military Cross."

Cpl Carl Thomas of the Second Battalion the Rifles , known as Tommo to his mates, received the Queens Gallantry Medal following an incident on July 10 2009.

Speaking after receiving his medal Cpl Thomas said: "I feel honoured and privileged but I was just doing my job.

"If I hadn’t done my job an officer would have died. I had to try sustain the life of that person."

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: "On one occasion in the Summer of 2009, a huge explosion ripped through the platoon with which Corporal Thomas was serving.

"Corporal Thomas commenced triage of casualties as the enemy opened fire.

"Whilst evacuating the casualty, there was a second even bigger explosion 70 metres behind him.

"Corporal Thomas immediately ran straight back and did not leave until all casualties had been recovered.

"Corporal Thomas’s extraordinary and repeated actions whilst under small arms fire are utterly in keeping with the highest standards of the British Army.

"For his actions Corporal Thomas is awarded The Queens Gallantry Medal."