The SAS trooper hailed a hero after fearlessly taking out attackers during the Nairobi terror siege is in line to receive the George Cross, it’s been reported. The off-duty soldier is to be recommended to receive the top military medal for his “remarkable bravery” during the attack by Al-Shabaab militants at the DusitD2 five-star hotel.
A military source reportedly said the SAS officer is to recommend the elite squaddie for the medal – which only ranks behind the Victoria Cross.
If approved by top brass, it will be handed over without any publicity because of his top secret role within the special forces, reports the Daily Telegraph.
The senior military source said: “He has saved dozens of lives. You can fully expect him to receive one of the highest gallantry awards and most likely the George Cross. It won’t be announced. It will be given to him secretly.”
The hero was in Kenya training Special Forces when news broke of the gun and grenade atrocity that killed at least 21 — including Brit Luke Potter.
Dramatic photos showed the hero charging into a building single-handed — Colt Canada C8 assault rifle at the ready — to free cowering locals.
The man — a long-serving SAS member — checked plans with local special forces, directed sorties in the heat of battle and frisked suspects.
An insider revealed: “He was training Kenyan forces when the shout went up, so he went in. British Special Forces always run towards the sound of gunfire.
“He fired off rounds during the operation. It’s a safe bet he hit his target — the SAS don’t miss. There’s no doubt his actions saved lives.”
The hero is thought to have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and to be a top counter-terror warfare expert.
Survivors hailed his heroics in the 19-hour attack on Nairobi’s DusitD2 hotel and office complex.