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We're so proud, say Black Country family of bomb hero

It was a vicious suicide blast on a British Army vehicle that left a sergeant major dead and four soldiers wounded.

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The Warrior tracked armoured vehicle was struck by a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device during a meeting with Afghan National Security Forces in Helmand Province in November 2013.

After the blast Private John Pyatt-Payne from Upper Gornal was first on the scene, administering first aid to the wounded soldiers and controlling the situation before reinforcements arrived.

Now the 26-year-old has been awarded the Queen's Commendation for Bravery (QCB) in recognition of his actions in the face of the enemy. And today his family said they couldn't be prouder of him.

Private Pyatt-Payne keeps himself to himself, sister Holly said, but she was happy to lavish praise on her hero brother.

"I'm so proud," the 23-year-old said.

"My mum can't stop crying. I think he's amazing. I'm proud to call him my brother."

Private Pyatt-Payne has two other sisters, Samantha, 24 and Kimberley, 18.

John with his parents, father James and mother Alison

He went to Dormston School and joined the Army four years ago, taking in a nine-month tour of Afghanistan.

Holly added: "It's his whole life, he's always wanted to be in the Army.

"He didn't tell us about anything that happened over in Afghanistan, he's very private and doesn't want to talk about it.

"But he was so pleased when he got the call telling him about the commendation.

"It's lovely that he's been recognised for all the hard work he's done and everything he's been though.

"And now Facebook's gone wild, everyone's been in touch. We're just so proud."

The award marks specific acts of gallantry shown during non-active operations.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Ian Michael Fisher, from the 3rd Battalion, the Mercian Regiment (Staffords), had been in charge of the Warrior vehicle at the time of the blast.

He was evacuated by air to the military hospital at Camp Bastion, where it was confirmed that he had been killed in action.

Precise details of Private Pyatt-Payne's role in the aftermath of the blast will remain secret until after the conclusion of an inquest into Sergeant Major Fisher's death.

He was a member of the 3rd Battalion, the Mercian Regiment at the time of the incident. He has since joined the 1st Battalion and is based in Bulford, Wiltshire.

Private John Steven Pyatt-Payne, of The Mercian Regiment
Major Neil Kelly with Ian Fisher, who was killed in action

Captain Peter Shergold, from the Mercian Regiment, said: "On behalf of the colonel of the Mercian Regiment I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Private Pyatt-Payne on this most deserved award. We are exceptionally proud of him."

Private Pyatt-Payne was among the brave military personnel who were awarded medals at Lancaster House in London on Wednesday. They include Lance Corporal Joshua Leakey of The Parachute Regiment who received the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy, The Victoria Cross. He was honoured for his role during a combined assault involving British soldiers and United States Marines on a Taliban stronghold in August 2013.

The 1st Battalion para is said to have shown 'complete disregard' for his own safety as the group came under attack in Helmand Province.

The 27-year-old from Hampshire single-handedly turned the tide of a Taliban attack and prevented considerable loss of life by repeatedly running through heavy fire to man machine guns.

He became the first living British soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross during the Afghan campaign and only the 15th to be awarded it since the Second World War.

Also honoured was Captain William Andrew Hall of the 16th Royal Regiment of Artillery. He received the Military Cross for braving intense enemy fire to rescue a disorientated colleague caught in cross fire and giving first aid to a badly wounded comrade.

Private Benjamin Spittle, a Reservist with 335 Medical Evacuation Regiment, the Royal Army Medical Corps was awarded the Commendation for Valuable Service.

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