First female honoured for bravery

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A soldier who risked her life to give her shot commander life-saving treatment has become the first woman to be awarded the Military Cross.

Pte Michelle Norris, 19, from Stourbridge, West Midlands, was given her accolade by the Queen on Wednesday.

She earned her honour by climbing aboard a vehicle to give her commander first aid while coming under enemy fire in Iraq in June last year.

The Military Cross recognises acts of bravery during combat operations.

She was serving as a medical orderly with the Royal Army Medical Corps when her vehicle came under attack in Maysaan Province.

It was only afterwards that I really realised how close it was Pte Michelle Norris

When her commander was shot and seriously injured she braved a hail of bullets to climb on top of the vehicle to treat him.

Speaking after the ceremony she said she had not realised at the time she was being shot at.

"I managed to get him to the back of the vehicle and give him first aid.

"When I saw the helicopter arrive I thought 'thank God'. It was only afterwards that I really realised how close it was."

She added the Queen had said she was proud to give her the award.

Also receiving an award was Major William Chesarek of the United States Marine Corps, who flew the rescue helicopter that day.

He was given the Distinguished Flying Cross and is thought to be the first American to be presented with the honour since WWII.