TWO Notts soldiers who risked their lives to save comrades at the height of battle are to receive one of the Armed Forces' most prestigious medals.

Lance Corporal Kyle Smith, 21, and Sergeant Marc Giles, 29, braved heavy enemy fire in Afghanistan to rescue fellow soldiers.

Their heroism will be rewarded with the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross – second only to the Victoria Cross – later this year.

The pair, from the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, were among 150 soldiers named yesterday in the 34th Operational Awards List.

They were at a civic event at the Honourable Artillery Company in London.

L/Cpl Smith was ambushed by the Taliban while on foot patrol in Helmand Province.

Two of his comrades received serious injuries.

He ran to the aid of one who was exposed in open ground and dragged him more than 100 yards to safety while under enemy fire.

He then returned to the other casualty – running and firing at the Taliban for 100 yards over open ground – and dragged him to safety after stemming his bleeding with a tourniquet.

Both the injured men have now made a full recovery.

Speaking to the Evening Post from London, L/Cpl Smith, from Arnold, said: "It is an amazing feeling. But at the end of the day we would all do the same for each other.

"I have had an amazing day in London. The places and rooms I have been in; it is a real eye-opener.

"It's not often you get to do things like this. To be named for this award and see everyone's families here, it is a great feeling."

Sgt Giles, from Clifton, was also ambushed by the Taliban, on a separate patrol. One of his allies from the Afghan National Army was shot.

He ran more than 50 yards under enemy fire to get to him, put him over his shoulder and carried him to safety.

Unfortunately, the man died, despite receiving first aid.

Then, while transporting the deceased to a vehicle under sporadic enemy fire, another Afghan soldier he was with stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device) and died.

The force of the explosion blew Sgt Giles against a wall, though he was not seriously injured.

Sgt Giles maintained his focus, while still under attack, and put both the deceased on to the vehicle.

"Proud" to be selected for the honour, he said: "Anyone put in the same situation would have done something very similar.

"You don't have time to think about what you are doing. Training kicks in. You naturally do things."

Others from Notts put forward for awards include Corporal Craig Adkin, from Nottingham, who is set to receive the Military Cross; Major Neil Grant, from Mansfield, Military Cross, and Warrant Officer Peter Burney, of Mansfield, from 2nd Battalion The Rifles, who is nominated for the Queen's Gallantry Medal.

chris.birkle@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk