Sergeant Dipprasad Pun, 31, of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, fired 400 rounds, launched 17 grenades and detonated a mine to thwart the assault by Taleban fighters at a British checkpoint near Babaji in Helmand province last year.
He single-handedly fought off up to 30 insurgents in Afghanistan, even using his gun tripod when he ran out of bullets. The only weapon he did not use was the traditional curved Kukri knife carried by the Nepalese soldiers, because he did not have it with him.
Sergeant Pun saved the lives of three colleagues who were at the checkpoint and was presented with the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for his outstanding bravery at a ceremony in London on Thursday, the Ministry of Defence said.
The medal is a level below the prestigious Victoria Cross, Britain's top award for gallantry.
'I think I am a very lucky guy, a survivor. Now I am getting this award it is very great and I am very happy,' said Pun, who is originally from Bima in western Nepal but now lives in Kent, south-east England, with his wife.ORIGINAL SOURCE
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