Soldier's fearless rescue of his wounded comrades

A SOLDIER who rescued two badly wounded comrades has won one of the nation's highest military awards for courage under fire.

A SOLDIER who prodded his way on his hands and knees across a bomb-strewn landscape in Afghanistan to rescue two badly wounded comrades has won one of the nation's highest military awards for courage under fire.

The special forces veteran, who can be identified only as Sergeant J, is one of two soldiers to receive the Medal for Gallantry today.

The recognition of his heroism and that of dozens of other service personnel in the Australia Day Honours has provided a rare window into an under-reported war.

Sergeant J was a bomb disposal technician with a patrol from Australia's Special Operations Task Group, which raided a compound in Helmand Province. An improvised bomb exploded, badly wounding two patrol members.

"Sergeant J cleared safe paths to two casualties using only his bare hands and a mine prodder," the citation says. "He continued to clear and evacuate other members of the patrol to safety, discovering additional devices, recovering mission essential equipment and gathering intelligence.

"His actions undoubtedly saved lives," the citation says. Sergeant J's gallantry in the most hazardous circumstances was of the highest order and reflected the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

The second soldier to receive the Medal for Gallantry today was Queensland Corporal Michael Patrick Chalk, an engineer and search team commander in Afghanistan's Tangi Valley in March 2012.

Three other soldiers received Commendations for Gallantry. SAS soldier and VC winner Ben Roberts-Smith was commended for fearless leadership.