A pilot based at RAF Odiham has received the Air Force’s highest honour after flying to the aid of wounded US soldiers under heavy Taliban fire.
Chinook pilot Flight Lieutenant Matthew Roberts was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery under fire following the daring rescue in October Afghanistan last year.
As well as risking a hail of enemy bullets, he had to fly through a heavy sandstorm without a GPS system.
The award audience heard how Flt Lt Roberts was tasked to lead his crew in the evacuation of two US casualties.
He was sent to the area with an Apache helicopter escort, knowing that there was still a major fire fight taking place.
Before coming into land, his port side guns failed, leaving that side of the Chinook defenceless.
And at this point, he was told one of the US soldiers had died and the second was rapidly deteriorating.
“In these situations, you don't think twice,” he said. “It just meant we had to try and keep the enemy on our right-hand side.”
When he landed, he was surrounded by the Taliban and bullets ripped into the chopper’s fuselage.
He said: “We fly an amazing helicopter, it took it well and nothing mission critical was hit.”
Flt Lt Roberts’ awards citation praised his calmness under fire.
It read: “He led his crew with calmness, inspiring them to persevere through the most dangerous conditions.
“His captaincy, airmanship and gallantry were of the highest order.”
Flt Lt Roberts was among six RAF Odiham personnel lauded at the Operational Honours and Awards at the National Army Museum in Chelsea on Friday.
Flt Lt Stephen Badham was awarded the Air Force Cross, recognising gallantry while flying but not in active operation against the enemy.
And Squadron Leader Howard Bailey, Flt Lt Adam Booth, Flt Lt John Singh and Flight Lieutenant Andrew Scrase were mentioned in dispatches.
Up to 28 forces personnel picked up awards, which were presented by Lieutenant General Barney White-Spunner.
He said: “We have 28 of the 136 recipients here, and they represent only a very few of the many who demonstrate tremendous courage every day in the face of a clever and ruthless enemy.
“I regard these people as outstanding examples of a generation. We are lucky to live in a country that produces them, and fortunate to have such people in our armed forces.”
