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A New Zealand medic says he's no hero after helping to save the lives of dozens of people injured in a rocket attack in Iraq.
Pat Berry is now in line for a bravery award from the US Government.
Mr Berry, a former duty manager with St John Ambulance in Auckland, was one of the first on the scene after the rocket strike on houses near Baghdad International Airport last week, The Dominion Post reported.
The 48-year-old helped treat about 100 injured people at an over-run medical clinic, ensuring the worst hurt received life-saving treatment at a coalition force medical facility.
"There was practically every type of wound imaginable," he said from Iraq yesterday.
"Once in the door I found five dead boys.
"From my aspect it was a straightforward incident. I have treated patients with similar widespread injuries ... but never all at once.
"At one stage there were close to 100 people, all spilling into a tiny car park. People just seemed to keep coming."
The attack was described as the worst rocket strike in Iraq for months.
More than a dozen 107mm rockets had been fired at the village on the outskirts of Baghdad, with at least half landing inside a housing complex for local workers.
Mr Berry, 48, a married father of one, had been in Iraq for nearly a year and was working for a private company. He and his team of medics were now being considered for a rare United States bravery commendation usually reserved for the military.
But Mr Berry said he was no hero.
"Anyone with the skills at hand would have gone in, there is no bravery in that - just duty. Bravery is a special word - it's just not me."
Mr Berry did not know how long he would stay in Iraq, but was happy to be helping in the country, he said.
"Iraq is going through a slow political process right now, but they are making progress. It feels good to be part of that."
- NZPA
