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Posted on 05/09/2007 8:30:29 PM PDT by SandRat
An officer from the RAF Regiment, Flight Lieutenant Matthew Carter, who played a vital role in destroying Taliban positions as a forward air controller in Afghanistan, has received his Military Cross from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace following his "selfless bravery".
The RAF Regiment provides the vital links between ground forces and air power by directing air assets in response to events on the ground, including directing fire onto enemy ground positions.
Flt Lt Carter was a Tactical Air Control Party officer within 3 PARA operating in southern Afghanistan in 2006. As such he regularly directed close and accurate attack helicopter fire with devastating results, neutralising the enemy with ruthless precision.
In one firefight he left the protection of his vehicle and forced his way to the front line without regard for his personal safety. In another attack, the fire he directed from the air was on a Taliban target only 30 metres from his position. But the risk was essential given the ferocious weight of fire coming in, which would otherwise have resulted in significant casualties.
In a further incident he was part of a force being dropped off by helicopter at night to capture a high-value Taliban leader, but the Chinook pilot had to take off after just 20 seconds with Flt Lt Carter still onboard due to sudden incoming fire.
Without regard for himself Flt Lt Carter jumped out of the Chinook from 15 ft (4½ metres), landed in a ditch and instantly began directing fire onto Taliban positions. He gallantly and repeatedly risked his life during all contacts with the enemy.
A number of RAF personnel were among service personnel honoured at the Ministry of Defence in December 2006 for their service around the world, principally in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Defence Secretary Des Browne said at the time:
"In Iraq, Afghanistan and across the world our brave men and women continue to put their lives on the line in the pursuit of security and stability. They are an inspiration to us all."
Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup added:
"The past year has been one of great challenge for the people of our armed forces, and they have consistently delivered above and beyond our already high expectation. I am immensely proud of them all; and these honours reflect the nation's pride."
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