Major Colin Risso reached for an assault rifle and began shooting when his joint task force convoy came under heavy fire in a narrow valley in Bagram, Afghanistan on November 1, 2004.

"The Humvees were unable to put down fire, their grenade launchers having jammed and, putting down a rapid rate of fire, Major Risso could sense the desperate situation," the ministry said in a written statement.

The major grabbed another assault rifle and, firing both guns, used up 150 rounds of ammunition in a fierce exchange of fire that allowed the US army colonel in charge to regain control, the statement continued.

He was awarded the Military Cross -- one of the British army's highest honours for bravery.

Other soldiers, sailors and airmen on the list were honoured for operations in Iraq, Northern Ireland, the former Yugoslavia, Liberia, the Democratic Repbulic of Congo and Sierra Leone.