A Royal Marine from 45 Commando has become the youngest non-officer ever to be awarded the Military Cross (MC), one of Britain’s highest military honours, for his actions during operations in Afghanistan last year.

Mne Liam Armstrong is one of 95 Service personnel to receive awards in the Operational Honours List (April to September 2002).

Liam (23) from Carlisle, and based at RM Condor in Arbroath, was awarded the MC following outstanding bravery, initiative and leadership, well beyond his rank and service experience, whilst deployed on Operation Jacana in Afghanistan from April to July 2002.

Whilst on Operation Buzzard in the Al Qaeda heartland to investigate a compound thought to contain extremist militia and weapons, a patrol from Zulu Company came across a pocket of resistance.

Liam decided to seize the moment. He forced entry to the compound and was followed in by his colleague, Mne McCann, but found themselves confronting nine armed men.

Liam levelled his weapon and succeeded in getting the men to surrender, relieved them of their weapons, and kept them as prisoners until he rest of the team could assist – all without a shot being fired.

After this initial assault, Liam then had the task of controlling an aggressive crowd.

Again he excelled, maintaining order, quelling flashpoints, and even recognising and detaining an escaped prisoner in the midst of the crowd, without causing injury to himself, his team or the crowd.

When Liam was notified of the award he initially thought it was a joke: “My Mum and Dad received the letter at home and were so excited they called me straight away,” said Liam.

“I was gobsmacked but thought the MC was only for officers, so I took the letter to my bosses thinking it was a wind-up – and they all thought it was a wind-up too.

“Obviously I’m over the moon to receive such an honour, which is also a credit to all my fellow marines in Zulu Company.

“I don’t think I did anything especially brave – I just knew we needed to gain the upper hand and get on top of the situation. In the heat of the moment you don’t think, you just act, and all the training you’ve had makes it come naturally.

“I’m proud to have been part of Operation Jacana in Afghanistan; we had a great team out there and 45 Commando did a top job.”

Maj Rich Stephens MBE was commanding Zulu Company during Operation Jacana, and nominated Liam for the award.

“I’m very pleased that Marine Armstrong is receiving the Military Cross for his bravery. The entire team showed high professional conduct throughout this specific operation, but Armstrong’s actions stand out as being truly exceptional and deserving of permanent recognition.”

Brig Roger Lane, who has been awarded the CBE for his role as Commander of Task Force Jacana, added: “I am delighted that the magnificent efforts of so many individuals deployed on Operation Jacana have been recognised in the Honours List, but my greatest admiration goes to Marine Armstrong.

“His extraordinary bravery achieved a peaceful surrender from the enemy, and immediately diffused a volatile situation, which was threatening our long-term relations in the area.

“The Military Cross is a most fitting award for such an exemplary performance.”

Liam will receive his medal from a senior member of the Royal Family at a ceremony in the coming months.