In Afghanistan, Corporal Dipprasad Pun single-handedly fought off over 30 Taliban fighters when his checkpoint was nearly overrun. According to reports, he:

• Fired more than 400 rounds

• Launched 17 grenades

• Took fire from both RPGs and AK-47s

• When his machine gun failed, he used its tripod to knock down an enemy fighter

• Detonated a mine to repel two more fighters when he ran out of ammo

Pretty incredible. For his actions, he was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. And yet:

The CGC is second only to the Victoria Cross — the highest honour for bravery in the face of the enemy.

Now what the hell do you have to do to earn the Victoria Cross?

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