By Christopher Leake PUBLISHED: 17:06 EST, 24 March 2012 | UPDATED: 00:26 EST, 25 March 2012 A pilot who saved the lives of 30 British soldiers by flying his helicopter one-handed has been awarded one of the RAF’s highest honours. Flight Lieutenant Dan Cullen’s Chinook was flying at 115mph just 50ft above the ground when his co-pilot – who had been shot by the Taliban – lost consciousness and slumped forward on to his controls. As the helicopter plummeted to the ground, Flt Lieut Cullen, who is nicknamed 'Dan Dare' by his comrades, pulled his co-pilot upright with one hand while fighting to regain control of the aircraft with the other.
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Flight Lieutenant Dan Cullen, 31, has received the Distinguished Flying Cross
Flt Lieut Cullen reacted instantly, forcing his stricken colleague back into his seat with his left hand, while controlling the @placeholder with his right.