The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan may not enjoy popular support, but the soldiers – who do not have the choice of where and who they’re fighting for – certainly do. Each day in these two countries is a desperate battle for survival against deadly and implacable enemy forces, and each day brings new acts of bravery, courage and self-sacrifice that seem to belong to a bygone age. Here, 25 medal winners – the bravest of the brave – from the Army, the Royal Marine Commandos and the RAF describe in their own words the astonishing actions which led to their awards.