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
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Flt Lieut Cullen reacted instantly, forcing his stricken colleague back into his seat with his left hand, while controlling the @placeholder with his right.