Honours for Shropshire's frontline heroes

They're the bravest of the brave, each with a humbling story of courage on the frontline in Afghanistan – and today they received the honours they deserve.

After a six-month tour in Helmand province ending in April, servicemen and women from the county have been awarded a range of medals for their duty.

Shrewsbury dog handler Sergeant Kaye Wilson, received the MBE. The 35-year-old was honoured for searching for hidden improvised explosive devices with her dog Obama. Her MBE citation reads: "Wilson pushed herself and her dog to the limits of endurance, supporting the infantry and saving countless lives in the process."

Sgt Peter Keogh, 30, of the Royal Irish Regiment, based near Market Drayton, has been awarded the Military Cross for leading a patrol which over-ran seven Taliban positions in Helmand in just an hour-and-a-half. At one point he dashed 150m (164 yards) across open ground under fire to reach a second team of soldiers who had become pinned down – and then ran back the same way. Sgt Keogh also deliberately drew Taliban fire onto himself so wounded troops could be evacuated to safety. He said: "I never smoke . . . but I had a cigar that day."

The soldier, from Durban, South Africa, lives at Clive Barracks in Tern Hill.

Reacting to his medal, he said: "I am proud and humbled – the regiment as a whole did some great work out there."

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Colin Weir, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, said the medals were an honour for the whole group, including three soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice – Ranger David Dalzell, Ranger Aaron McCormick and Lance Corporal Stephen McKee. He said: "It's been a great honour and a privilege to have commanded this battle group. They are, to a man, supremely humble."

Ranger Peter Mawhinney, 21, saved a wounded comrade's life despite his weapon jamming in the heat of battle. Today he received a Mention in Dispatches.

He was on patrol when insurgents ambushed the troops, shooting a comrade in the thigh and injuring him badly.

Under heavy fire, Rgr Mawhinney raced forward, placing himself between the enemy and his colleague. But as he tried to return fire, his machine gun jammed, leaving him prone as bullets struck all around. He urged his injured colleague to crawl to cover.

Second Lieutenant Paul David McFarland was awarded the Military Cross and Major Jamie Humphreys, from Belfast, was made an MBE for leading a daring night patrol.

Also receiving a Military Cross was Lance Corporal Ratu Apenisa Qalitakivuna.

Captain Toby Whitmarsh, 29, from Hereford, got a Queen's Commendations for Valuable Service for his leadership controlling six months of intense battles, often working by candlelight alone in a mud hut. Lieutenant Colonel Weir said his troops were 'awe-inspiring'.

Also awarded were Captain Paul Martin and Acting Major Peter Leckey who each received a QCVS.

Captain Ben Davis and Ranger David Sirle each received a Joint Commander Commendation.

Personnel at RAF Shawbury were also honoured today, including helicopter instructor Flight Lieutenant Peter Winn.

He was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in the Air for airlifting a damaged vehicle to safety and evacuating a seriously injured soldier in Afghanistan.