Hero soldier is honoured in Parliament

A HERO soldier who saved 16 American Marines from deadly enemy fire has been honoured in Parliament for his bravery.

Corporal Scott Cox, from Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, was with the Royal Highland Fusiliers when Taliban rockets blasted a US Armadillo jeep near his armoured truck.

Despite a mortar bombardment, Scott twice risked his life to save 16 wounded Americans and tow their vehicle to safety.

The 26-year-old's bravery in July 2008 was this week praised by politicians.

West of Scotland MSP Bill Wilson, below, said: "I lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament not only to congratulate Corporal Cox for his incredible bravery, but to highlight the courage of everyone there. While our presence in Afghanistan is felt by many to be an error, what is unquestionable is the courage of those serving there."

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Plucky Scott swung into action after Allied troops came under fire from insurgents in Helmand Province.

The dad-of-two clambered from his armoured Mastiff under heavy fire to attach a rope to drag the stricken vehicle to safety.

But the tow bar broke after a few yards, forcing Scott back into the firing line to fix the rope successfully.

Proud mum Janette Thomson, 53, said: "Scott says he was just doing his job but it's a miracle he lived to tell this extraordinary tale. He's embarrassed to be called a hero but there were 16 soldiers in that jeep - that's a lot of lives we might have lost.

"It is really nice for Scott and his colleagues to receive the recognition they deserve. They put their lives on the line every day and often it goes unnoticed."

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