Awards: Soldier crippled in Afghan bomb blast to receive Military Cross

A SOLDIER who lost both his legs and an eye in an explosion and an Army officer who captured a Taliban bomb factory are among the military heroes honoured today for their service in Afghanistan.

Cpl Ricky Furgusson, of the 4th Battalion the Rifles (4 Rifles), went four times to the aid of wounded soldiers before he was caught in a blast himself and badly injured.

Cpl Furgusson, awarded the Military Cross for his bravery, spent more than four months in hospital recovering from his injuries. He uses

stilts to get around but is determined to walk again.

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The 25-year-old, from Telford, Shropshire, said: "I was shocked at first to find that I was getting the Military Cross.

"I'm very pleased. I had a slight inkling I might get an award but an MC was totally out of the window and I wasn't expecting that at all.

"I don't think it has quite sunk in at all and it won't until I walk into Buckingham Palace."

As well as losing both legs and his left eye in the blast from the improvised explosive device (IED), Cpl Furgusson lost fingers from both hands and has been left with scars to his face.

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His citation states: "Furgusson's bravery, personally ignoring the ever-present IED threat when dashing to the aid of wounded men, and his outstanding leadership, time and again rallying his soldiers in the disorientating aftermath of IED strikes, saved men's lives.

"For his selfless actions he is to be awarded the MC."

The soldier played down his bravery, adding that he was merely looking out for his comrades.

"I am proud," he said. "Even if I didn't get the Military Cross I am still proud of the way I treated the blokes and saving their lives."

Also honoured was Lt Charlie Winstanley, whose platoon from 4 Rifles attacked a compound in Sangin district, Helmand Province, that was heavily defended by the Taliban.

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After killing, capturing and driving out insurgents, the platoon discovered the compound was a bomb factory and found 15 devices, almost certainly saving many lives.

Lt Winstanley, 25, from near Winchester, Hampshire, led his men through such fierce fighting last winter that 12 of his 30-strong platoon were either killed or wounded.

He is one of several soldiers to be Mentioned in Despatches, including Acting Sgt Paul Howard, L/Cpl Alex Jones and Cpl Steven Martin.

Acting Sgt Howard, 39, from Letchworth, Hertfordshire, helped in the aftermath of an explosion that killed Lt Colonel Rupert Thorneloe, the most senior British army officer to die in action since the Falklands.

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L/Cpl Jones, 25, from the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Welsh, was shot in the neck while on patrol in an area south of Musa Qala surrounded by the Taliban.

He continued to fight as his platoon escaped the ambush.

His injuries were so severe he could have returned to the UK, but he decided to remain in Afghanistan and put his life in danger again when the vehicle he was travelling in hit a large IED.

Cpl Martin, 31, from Lincoln, and of 4 Rifles, is to be honoured for demonstrating outstanding ability under fire and exemplary courage and leadership.

Another 4 Rifles soldier, Rifleman Peter Matthews, 21, from Saltash, Cornwall, is to receive the Queen's Commendation for Bravery for demonstrating exceptional levels of gallantry in the face of enemy fire and the ever-present threat from IEDs.

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On one occasion Rifleman Matthews risked his life by crossing ground that had not been cleared of IEDs to reach a bomb disposal expert killed in an explosion.

Rifleman Reece Terry, 19, also of 4 Rifles, is to receive the Queen's Gallantry Medal for Bravery.

The 19-year-old, from Taunton, Somerset, led a daring night raid in southern Afghanistan to capture a Taliban leader responsible for many British deaths.

The Army's Adjutant-General, Lt Gen Mark Mans, said: "I am humbled by the bravery and selfless commitment of those recognised in the honours list."

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