Lance Corporal Justin Thomas RM, CGC, 40 Commando RM

Iraq - L/Cpl. Thomas received the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, second only to the Victoria Cross. During an attack by 40 Commando on 30 March 2003, Lance Corporal Thomas' troop was ambushed. Choosing to abandon a position of safety, Thomas manned a machine-gun on the top of a soft-skin vehicle, fully exposed to enemy fire. For about a quarter of an hour, he engaged the enemy, allowing his comrades to get into cover, regroup and mount a successful counter-attack [Photo:MOD].