Gallantry awards have been made to three New Zealand soldiers who were in the vehicle patrol attacked by insurgents in Afghanistan in August last year, when Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell was killed.
Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says they showed "the highest level of bravery in the face of danger".
The Gallantry Star, the second highest award after the Victoria Cross for New Zealand, has been awarded to Corporal Albert Moore.
The Gallantry Decoration, the third ranked award, has been awarded to Corporal Matthew Ball and Lance Corporal Allister Baker.
Dr Mapp says the three soldiers acted quickly and decisively to prevent further loss of life when the convoy was attacked.
The New Zealand gallantry awards were introduced in 1999 with four levels - the Victoria Cross for New Zealand, the New Zealand Gallantry Star, the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration and the New Zealand Gallantry Medal.
The Victoria Cross for New Zealand has been awarded once - to Lance Corporal Willie Apiata for rescuing a wounded comrade under enemy fire in Afghanistan in 2004.
NZN