Trooper Chris Finney, 19, with the Gulf War campaign medal

Some 100 soldiers from the Household Cavalry's D-squadron paraded at their Berkshire base, the Combermere Barracks in Windsor, on Thursday.

Each of them were awarded the Gulf War campaign medal, which every soldier who served in Iraq receives.

They included Trooper Chris Finney, 19, who won the George Cross for saving colleagues from American friendly-fire.

Lance-Corporal of Horse, Matty Hull, 25, died in the incident in southern Iraq.

Presenting the soldiers with their campaign medals Major-General Sebastian Roberts said: "You took part in one of the most important fights that the British Army has taken part in for many years.

"Like those who served in the Second World War, you broke a tyranny, and there are other British soldiers along with many thousands of American and thousands of our other Allies who are continuing to wrest from tyranny the people of Iraq, and it remains a tough fight.

Major General Sebastian Roberts presents Gulf War Medals

"I am certain that many more of us will be going back there before too long."

The George Cross is the highest award for bravery that can be won in the civilian arena.

Had Trooper Finney showed the same valour under enemy fire, he would have received the Victoria Cross, explained D-squadron's spokesman, Nick Turnbull.

The squadron's leader, Major Richard Taylor, received the Distinguished Service Order for his efforts in the Gulf.

Other members of the sub-unit were awarded the Queen's Medal for Gallantry.

The soldiers, were deployed to Iraq in February 2003, returning home last summer.