Highest award for hero pilot Michelle

11:31am Friday 7th March 2008

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A Benson-based pilot said she is honoured to receive a top medal which today makes her the first woman to receive the air force's highest award.

Flight Lieutenant Michelle Goodman will be the first woman to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in London today for her exemplary gallantry during combat in Basra in Iraq last year.

She flew a Merlin helicopter to rescue a dying soldier who had been seriously injured in a mortar attack despite being fully aware she was a possible target for enemy fire.

The 32-year-old former Manchester University student from Bristol said: "I am truly honoured to be awarded a DFC, but without both my crew and all the engineering support personnel, the rescue of the casualty would not have been possible."

She added: "This is not an award just for me, but recognises all the soldiers, sailors and airmen who, day in and day out put their lives on the line for the British public to remain safe."

Station Commander, Group Captain Paul Lyall said: "Flight Lieutenant Michelle Goodman showed great gallantry in flying her helicopter into a restricted area of Basra under enemy fire to rescue a wounded soldier and sped him straight to our field hospital."

He added: "All of us at Royal Air Force Benson salute her actions and those of the other three crew members that supported her.

"Her actions were in the finest traditions of the Royal Air Force and we are very proud of her."