War hero Michelle in new book

An heroic Black Country army medic awarded the Military Cross for saving the life of her commanding officer is one of 25 decorated soldiers included in a new book honouring their bravery.

Private Michelle Norris, of Amblecote, Stourbridge, was chosen to be featured in the book, called In Foreign Fields: Heroes Of Iraq And Afghanistan In Their Own Words.

The 20-year-old's story is just one featured in the book, written by Dan Collins, to throw a spotlight on the bravery of officers who have been fighting in the war-torn countries.

In the book, Pte Norris speaks about her actions, how she was shocked at receiving the military accolade and about life in the armed forces during conflict.

The young soldier hit the headlines in June 2006 when she and her colleagues were assigned a night-time search operation which turned into a full-scale battle.

Pte Norris was only 19 and just out of basic training for the Royal Army Medical Corps. But she did not hesitate when her commanding officer, Sgt Ian Page, was shot in the face and badly hurt.

She dismounted and climbed to the top of the Warrior vehicle to give first aid under heavy sniper fire.

Her actions saved his life and earned her the Military Cross, the first time a woman had received the accolade.

In the book, Pte Norris says she remembers watching war films and documentaries with her father.

"I guess it sprang from there. I joined the cadets when I was 13, and I really enjoyed that so I joined up after college.

"When I was in the cadets, I developed an interest in the medical side of things.

"Both my parents worked at the local hospital, and my brother was in the Red Cross and the St John Ambulance, and I really enjoyed learning first aid."

She said on the day of the battle they had been looking for weapons caches but had been called to help another vehicle which had got stuck in a ditch.

"As we got closer I started hearing things bouncing off the Warrior, little pings and dings. I thought it was just kids throwing stones but then I heard the turret getting hit I knew it was clearly rounds."

Pte Norris says it was during this time that Sgt Page had been injured.

"I shouted up. There was no answer, but I could see movement. I was really concerned.

"The only way I could get to him was to get out of the vehicle and up on to the top of it."

Pte Norris treated her commanding officer as best she could and successfully got him safely into the vehicle, despite shots firing all around her.

• In Foreign Fields is available from most bookshops or by calling 01455 221752.