Squadron Leader Sam Potter (41) has been Mentioned in Despatches for three incidents while serving in Basrah at the height of the insurgents' rocket campaign last summer.

But Sq Ldr Potter told the Observer of the bravery shown by his colleagues.

He said: "I was part of an incredible team of aircrew, RAF Regiment, nurses and medics on the Merlin helicopter; supporting and giving confidence to the troops on the ground in Basrah and Maysan provinces."

It is his second award for courage. In 1998, he received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery after the Omagh bomb horror.

As the medical officer with the helicopter borne Immediate Response Team last year (IRT) in Iraq, he was regularly called to give life-saving care in the thick of battle.

On July 19 when a rocket struck accommodation at the operating base, Sq Ldr Potter acted swiftly to help those injured.

The citation reads: "With little regard for his personal safety he immediately entered the tangled wreckage to give life-saving
medical treatment and to support those trapped and seriously injured."

On August 7 his helicopter recovered two casualties from the heat of battle.

Knowing how badly injured the casualties were, Sq Ldr Potter urged the pilot to get as close as possible.

"Within seconds of touchdown he raced to the casualties with rounds striking the ground around him.

"He performed continuous cardiac massage on the unconscious airman and at the same time issued orders for the care of the corporal who had a very serious gunshot wound to his leg."

Two days later, Sq Ldr Potter risked his life to try to save a soldier trapped in a blazing vehicle.

During his tour, the IRT helicopter was specifically targeted and a 'severe' threat warning was issued.

His citation reads: "Through his own composed behaviour and reassuring manner, he was instrumental in assuaging the fears of his team.

"Time and again he proved himself to be a courageous leader who acted selflessly and with complete disregard for his own safety whilst ensuring that of others."

Sq Ldr Potter told the Observer: "My over-riding memories are of the blazing heat, the courage displayed by the ground troops and the indescribable bravery of the convoys resupplying Basrah Palace.

"Overall the standard of medical care for troops in Iraq is second to none and we were a small part in that care process getting our injured mates home alive to their families and friends.

"It was unforgettable experience, disturbing and very humbling to witness."

While serving with the Royal Irish Regiment as their Medical Officer in Omagh in l998, Sq Ldr Potter was called with his team as the only doctor to the scene of Market Street, immediately after the Real IRA bomb exploded.

With typical modesty he simply commented this week: "Two days later I went to bed."

Sq Ldr Potter is now based at RAF Leuchars, a Tornado base in Scotland where he is deputy senior medical officer.

He transferred to the RAF after 11 years serving with the army.

He spent most of his childhood in Midhurst, attending the primary, intermediate and Grammar schools. His mother Rosemary still lives in the town.

He is married to Gillian and the couple have three children Rebecca (eight), Finlay (four) and Cameron (three).