Two RAF Odiham servicemen have received medals in recognition of their courage under fire.
Flt Lt Ian Fortune and Flt Lt Timothy Pollard were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross last week for bravery in Afghanistan.
Flt Lt Fortune found himself in the thick of the action while commanding an Immediate Response Team (IRT) Chinook helicopter in January this year.
The 28-year-old, who joined RAF Odiham in 2007, conducted an emergency evacuation of six casualties who had suffered gunshot wounds.
During the evacuation, the Chinook was hit several times, affecting its flight stabilisation system.
One round came through the cockpit and hit Flt Lt Fortune’s helmet, shattering his visor and causing deep cuts to his cheek.
“It was like somebody getting a plank of wood and smacking me in the forehead,” he said.
“When we got back, I had all this blood pouring down me, but it wasn’t as bad as it looked.
“I took a long breath and felt that tingling in my spine, thinking, job done.”
The flyer, who was born in Kingston-upon-Thames in Surrey, had to have eight stitches in his cheek.
Flt Lt Pollard, who has been based at RAF Odiham since 2006, was awarded his medal for his actions while recovering five casualties on December 15 last year.
He was the handling pilot for the IRT Chinook, but as the captain’s intercom system was having problems during the operation, Flt Lt Pollard assumed command of the situation.
During the evacuation, a control cylinder in the aircraft was hit, covering the 28-year-old with highly flammable fluid.
Flt Lt Pollard and his crew kept calm, turned off unneeded electrical equipment that could have started a fire and successfully completed the evacuation.
He said: “I feel honoured and humble. I accept this award on behalf of the crew.”
