Ellesmere Port soldier Paul Langton honoured for bravery under Taliban attack
CHARGING into an enemy attack to make sure casualties could be evacuated earned a Mersey soldier a top gallantry honour.
Lance Corporal Paul Langton, 24, of the Mercian Regiment, will be awarded a Mention in Despatches for courage under fire when his quick-thinking helped to protect two men seriously injured in a Taliban ambush. The casualties were being attacked with gunfire and grenades as comrades tried to treat them.Paul, from Ellesmere Port, directed one heavy machine gunner where to return fire and then turned on the enemy with his own machine gun, while the casualties were taken to safety.
But the rest of the ground patrol were still pinned down by accurate enemy fire, so he charged towards the enemy with his light role machine gun.
His citation said: “This immensely courageous act of bravery silenced the furthest enemy position allowing the patrol to extract.
“His action was both gallant and decisive. L Cpl Langton chose to place himself in danger to protect others.”
THE GLOBE
