How is this for heroism? In September 2011, a Gurkha single-handedly fought off an attack by over a dozen Taliban insurgents.

Acting Sergeant Dipprasad Pun used up all of his ammunition and resorted to using his machine gun tripod to repel the attack that took place at a checkpoint near Babaji, in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

Pun, 31, of Ashford, Kent, UK, was later awarded Britain’s second highest medal for bravery, the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

Acting Sgt Pun was on sentry duty at the time of the attack. First he spotted insurgents trying to plant a bomb beside the front gate, then only moments later, militants opened fire on the compound from all sides.

For over 15 minutes while alone on the roof, Pun fought off an onslaught from rocket-propelled grenades and AK-47s.

In total, he fired more than 400 rounds, launched 17 grenades and detonated a mine.

When an insurgent tried to climb up to his position, Pun’s rifle failed. He then picked up his machine gun tripod and threw it at the man to knock him back down. He also threw his boot knife in an attempt to fend off the attack.

In the midst of the fire-fight Pun believed there to be more than 30 attackers. However, local villagers later told him the figure was more likely to have been 12 to 15.

Recalling the incident, Pun said:

As soon as it was confirmed they were Taliban, I was really scared… But as soon as I opened fire that was gone.” [He thought] ‘Before they kill me I have to kill some.’

The citation on the medal he received states that he saved the lives of three comrades who were inside the checkpoint at the time.

“I think I am a very lucky guy, a survivor,” Pun said. “Now I am getting this award, it is very great and I am very happy.”