 The awards recognise the brigade's work in Helmand Province |
Thirty-nine members of Plymouth's 3 Commando Brigade who risked their lives were given the awards for trying to establish peace in Afghanistan.
The men have been recognised for the acts of supreme bravery and personal courage - some of them posthumously.
Marine Thomas Curry died in an attack in January and Army Warrant Officer Mick Smith was killed in March.
The marines and soldiers from 42 Commando Royal Marines, 29 Commando Royal Artillery, and 59 and 131 Independent Commando Squadrons Royal Engineers were congratulated by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who visited Plymouth's Stonehouse Barracks on Wednesday.
Burst eardrum
Brig David Capewell, 3 Commando Brigade's commander, praised his men's "magnificent" performance.
Major Oliver Lee, who commanded British forces in Afghanistan, was honoured with an MBE.
Cpl John Thompson, from Plymstock, who serves with 42 Commando Royal Marines, received the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross - the next award below the Victoria Cross.
He took part in more than 30 fire fights against the Taleban, including one occasion when he and two other Royal Marines held off more than 40 enemy fighters.
The corporal was leading a convoy of vehicles when it came under attack in Helmand Province.
He managed to hold off the Taleban while bullets, shrapnel and rocket-propelled grenades rained down around him.
His only injury was a burst eardrum caused by firing off thousands of rounds of ammunition.
"To be a bloke from a Plymouth council estate who's managed to get an award one down from the Victoria Cross is amazing," Cpl Thompson told BBC News.
Other honours for the brigade's work in Helmand Province included two Distinguished Service Orders, 10 Military Crosses and two Queen's Gallantry Medals. Two men were made MBEs.
