Military Cross for injured medic

A Royal Navy medic who saved the lives of four colleagues despite being seriously injured in a grenade attack has been awarded the Military Cross for Bravery. Medical Assistant Liam O'Grady sustained injuries to his face and legs while on patrol in Afghanistan.

Despite his injuries he ran across open ground while grenades exploded around him to reach his injured patrol sergeant. His commander had serve wounds in his chest and abdomen. 21-year-old Liam dragged him to safety and gave lifesaving treatment.

The patrol were occupying a key checkpoint in the Upper Gereshk Valley in Afghanistan when they were attacked by insurgents. As the groups second in command organised the remainder of the team to return fire, Liam gave lifesaving treatment to 4 other colleagues. After the patrol sergeant was picked up by a helicopter, he helped to carry 3 injured men uphill over 800 meters of hostile terrain.

Liam is based with HMS Sultan in Gosport, Hampshire. Three weeks after receiving treatment for his wounds in the UK he insisted upon returning to Afghanistan.