Harry Robinson, 24, of Ashton, Preston collected his Military Cross at Buckingham Palace yesterday.
A Royal Marines Medical Assistant, 40 Commando Royal Marines, he won the award for his courageous and life-saving actions following an attack on his Troop by a rogue member of the Afghan National Army.
Medic Robinson treated casualties under fire when a gunman opened fire at a patrol base at Hazrat, injuring seven marines.
Speaking after receiving his award from the Princess Royal he said of the incident “We were under fire for most of it. I have no idea how I didn’t get shot because I wasn’t being tactical in any way.
“I was on my knee just treating and then standing up and running to the next bloke.
“I have no idea how I didn’t get shot. That is the thing that baffles me to this day.”
Robinson was one of 15 Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel who were awarded Operational Honours and Awards in a list published last October. The list covered actions during the period of October 2012 and April 13 both on operations in Afghanistan and the Gulf, and also non-operational gallantry.