A SCOTS-based RAF corporal who helped fight off a Taliban attack which targeted Prince Harry at the main British army headquarters in Afghanistan is to receive an award for outstanding bravery.
Kurt Lee, 29, who is stationed at Lossiemouth in Moray, survived a grenade explosion after having crept to within touching distance of an insurgents' bunker during last September's assault.
The prince was undergoing helicopter training at the base, but was unhurt in the incident which left two US marines and five aircraft damaged or destroyed before British troops and others killed 18 of the raiders and took one prisoner.
Mr Lee will receive his silver Oak Leaf in recognition of his bravery following a parade in Lossiemouth marking Armed Forces Day on Sunday.
The citation will be read out to the public by the Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Lt Col Grenville Johnston, detailing how he led his men through a hail of gunfire to overpower five Taliban fighters. Corporal Lee undertook the action despite being blown off his feet and concussed by a grenade, and refusing to be evacuated from the battle scene.
Due to their stealthy approach his party were unseen until they were almost at the bunker but then the Taliban opened fire, narrowly missing him by less than two feet.
However, he responded and achieved a direct hit from his grenade launcher.
Five insurgents were confirmed as dead.
On hearing of his award, Cpl Lee said: "It's a great honour to be mentioned in despatches, particularly as there were so many others who faced the same dangers, many of whom sustained significant wounds at Camp Bastion that night and are still coming to terms with their injuries.
"I feel I'll be representing them and the whole regiment when I receive the Oak Leaf at Armed Forces Day, and it will be an exceptional privilege to have it presented in front of the whole community.
"It's important people get to know what we do as a regiment."
Mr Lee's regiment is 51 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment Air Protection Wing, based at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.
The RAF Regiment is the ground fighting force of the RAF, protecting aircraft and personnel from attack such as the raid mounted by the Taliban on Camp Bastion in September.
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