Victoria Cross to be awarded to 'outstanding soldier'
Lance Corporal James Ashworth, from Kettering, Northamptonshire, was killed in the Nahr-e-Siraj district of Afghanistan.
The 23-year-old died on June 13 when his reconnaissance platoon became involved in a battle with the Taliban inside enemy-held compounds.
L/Cpl Ashworth is understood to have deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire, and died from a grenade blast as he tried to protect his men.
His comrades spoke of their pride in his bravery and said the death of such an "outstanding soldier" would leave a gaping hole in the battalion.
– Captain Mike Dobbin speaking at the time of L/Cpl Ashworth's deathLance Corporal Ashworth was killed while fighting his way through compounds; leading his fire team from the front, whilst trying to protect his men; and he showed extraordinary courage to close on a determined enemy.
Killed soldier awarded rare Victoria Cross honour
A British soldier who died as he protected the lives of his comrades in Afghanistan has been awarded the Victoria Cross.
British soldier to be awarded rare Victoria Cross
British soldier Lance Corporal James Ashworth is to be posthumously awarded with one of the highest military honours - the Victoria Cross.