An SAS soldier who killed two Islamic militants during a terror attack in Kenya will be given one of the UK’s highest honours.

He will be awarded a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, a bravery medal second only to a Victoria Cross, for his response to gun and grenade attack by al-Shabaab terrorists on the DusitD2 hotel in Nairobi on January 15.

The off-duty Special Forces warrior, wearing combat gear over casual jeans and a purple shirt, was seen entering the complex in Nairobi and then emerging with terrified survivors.

Sources said at the time there was 'no doubt' his actions saved lives and he was hailed for his bravery in the days after.

The terrorists killed 21 people, including British charity worker Luke Potter, before the bloodshed was brought to a stop.

An SAS soldier (pictured) who killed two Islamic militants during the attack by al-Shabaab terrorists on a hotel in Kenya has been awarded a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. He's seen here helping an injured man away from the attack as blood poured from the casualty's back

The soldier was seen accompanying civilians to safety from the building, where terrorists went on a gun and bomb rampage

The unnamed elite soldier will be given the medal by the Queen later this month, The Sun reported.

On the day of the terror attack, the man was seen entering the complex without backup to help evacuate 700 people.

His face was largely concealed by a balaclava, but he used a modified colt Canada rifle and carried a Glock 9mm side weapon as well as a knife for hand-to-hand combat.

One image showed the Briton carrying a wounded man to safety as blood poured from the casualty’s back.

The special forces veteran, who has reportedly served for 18 years in the SAS, shot and killed two of the four gunmen on his valiant solo raid.

He reportedly only got involved in the counter-terror operation when US Navy Seals asked for his help.

The soldier was only supposed to provide mentoring and training to Kenyan troops while in the country. But as the terrorists attacked, American special forces who were on hand had not been given the green light to go in.

A Kenyan Army soldier watches on as the SAS man enters the DusitD2 hotel during the attack on January 15, in which 21 people were killed

The soldier was only supposed to provide mentoring and training to Kenyan troops while in the country. He is pictured here talking to members of the security forces

Speaking at the time, SAS veteran Chris Ryan – who served in the elite regiment for 10 years – told the Mirror the soldier 'was out shopping', when he heard about the hotel attack.

He said: 'He had his equipment in the car so, when it all kicked off, he sprinted back and got kitted up before heading straight towards the fire-fight.

'When he arrived in the hotel, he started organising the entire operation, directing the police and army.

'Then he went in there on his own to neutralise the enemy and rescue the hostages. His actions certainly saved many lives and show the manner of these men, who are extremely brave and always ready.'

A Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, which is one of the UK's highest honours

Kenyan counter-terror police were in control of the assault against the militants, but when the SAS man was given his orders he moved in on the hotel complex himself.

Armed with a Colt Canada C8 assault rifle and a Glock handgun he worked to put a stop to the terrorist threat.

A source said: ‘This is an incredible honour and truly deserved. What this man did will go down in the history of the SAS.

‘Yet it nearly didn’t happen after a row on the ground.'

He had been working with the Kenyan Armed Forces - who were being metored by SEALs - when the incident 'kicked off', but there was a 'critical pause' among American forces while they waited for permission to go in, the source said.

‘People were dying, and they knew they had a man in their midst who could turn the tide. He had to go in.’

The last known award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, which is given for bravery in the face of the enemy, was to Lance Corporal Simon Moloney in March 2014.

The al-Shabaab terror group claimed that the attack was a response to US President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

At the time, Joshua Kwambai, who rushed out of a restaurant as the terrorists opened fire, said the SAS troop was one of the first people to get out there.

Mr Kwambi added that the soldier was wearing a mask but it was obvious he was white - and he could see him speaking with the police and army, who were listening to him.

They had been looking at paper - possible plans of the building, he said.

Witness Lucy Njeri said the soldier carried out one of the wounded then went back inside to do so a secodn time.

There had been a lot of confusion, but he was said to have stood out because he was a foreigner.

The award is among those that is expected to be published at the end of this month in the Operational Honours list.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: ‘We do not comment on Special Forces.’