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Queen awards gallantry medals for bravery in Afghanistan

1 June 2011 | Afghanistan  By Rosie Laydon 
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A soldier who single-handedly fought off a Taliban attack has been recognised for outstanding bravery while serving in Afghanistan.

The Queen awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross to Acting Sergeant Dipprasad Pun of the Royal Gurkha Rifles.

He fought off an attack on his base by up to 30 Taliban insurgents - even though he had exhausted all his ammunition.

At one point he used the tripod of his machine gun to beat away a militant climbing the walls of the compound.

The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, second only to the Victoria Cross - the highest bravery honour in the face of the enemy.

6 soldiers from the Mercian regiment also received awards from the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Corporal Mark Ward was presented with the Military Cross for his "inspirational leadership" in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Alan Redford also received a Military Cross for showing "incredible gallantry and unflinching courage".