Flt-Lt Ian Fortune

Flight Lieutenant Ian Fortune, 28, went in to pick up casualties as a fierce firefight raged between US forces and rebels near Garmsir, Afghanistan, earlier this year. The casualties were loaded. Then as he lifted off, Ian was shot. The round then penetrated his helmet hitting him between the eyes. It knocked his head back and caused severe bleeding. More bullets followed, hitting the Chinook's controls. But with blood pouring into his eyes, Ian battled with the 'copter to fly the eight minutes to Camp Bastion. The pilot, from the RAF's 27 Squadron, received the Distinguished Flying Cross for "an act of valour, courage whilst flying in active operations". Flt Lt Fortune, of Kingston, Surrey, said to his crew: "Chaps, I think I've been hit - but I'm OK."