A former Royal Navy lieutenant commander from Caerphilly has been honoured by the US Army for his work training Afghanistan’s police force and saving the lives of soldiers and children.
Gareth Morgan, 45, who is also a former police officer, spent six months travelling the war-torn country helping to train its own fledgling police force.
Mr Morgan received the US Army’s Bronze Star Medal and a letter of dedication from the US President after noticing a check-point that coalition forces were due to take had been booby-trapped with a landmine.
His actions saved the lives of innocent children playing nearby and the lives of US soldiers.
Mr Morgan, who now lives in Nottingham with his wife Nikki and baby son Henry, led a mentoring team of US, coalition and Afghan personnel between March and September 2009.
His Bronze Star Medal was awarded to him by US Army lieutenant general William Caldwell recently at a ceremony at the US embassy in London.
He was praised for his “exceptionally meritorious service”, his “focus and determination” and his “quick thinking and keen survival skills”
A summary of his service reads: “Gareth played a significant role in making the area safe without the assistance of qualified explosive ordnance teams.
“His personal safety took second place to the needs of the Afghan community, ensuring the safety of children playing in the nearby village.”