19-year-old soldier wins one of highest wartime honours

A heroic 19-year-old soldier has been awarded one of the UK’s highest wartime honours for his bravery when serving on a tour of duty in Afghanistan last year.

Private Alex Kennedy, from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, saved his fellow comrade’s life in June 2009, dodging bullets in the process.

He has now been recognised as the youngest soldier in more than 40 years to receive the prestigious Miltary Cross award and his colleague Captain Andy Bell says he owes the teenager his life.

"He put himself in harm’s way in no uncertain terms. It was the most intense firefight we had experienced. He performed admirably," he explains.

But upon receiving the award, Private Kennedy honorably dedicated the accolade to fellow members of the armed forces who have not been lucky enough to return home from the frontline.

"The real heroes are the ones that did not make it back, it is not just me receiving the medal," he states.

The Daily Mail recently reported that a brave army dog – Chocolat – and his handler may be awarded with the pooch equivalent of the Victoria Cross for their efforts in Afghanistan.

Posted by Samantha Thompson