Then Trooper Mark Donaldson, VC, remembered thinking to himself that there was no one coming to help.
He was part of an Australian, US and Afghan convoy ambushed while returning to base in Oruzgan province.
Corporal Donaldson said he and other special operations soldiers had to fight their way out of the valley if they were going to survive.
Rockets and bullets slammed into the convoy and casualties mounted; a mate was shot through the leg, another hit under the arm.
A rocket explosion blew an Aussie and Afghan clear of a vehicle. The Australian got up but the interpreter stayed down as bullets kicked up dust around him.
Corporal Donaldson ran into the open towards the slumped figure as the convoy continued its grind towards the base.
VC actions are the stuff of legend.
About 120 soldiers from the Trainee Rehabilitation Wing and School of Military Engineering at Holsworthy Barracks got a first-hand account late last year from two of Australia's most decorated soldiers about overcoming challenges and adversity.
Corporals Donaldson and Daniel Keighran, VC, spoke to the soldiers as part of a tour that included stops at the 1st Recruit Training Battalion and the School of Infantry.
One of the soldiers listening to their tales of courage was Sapper Japheth Hornsby, of the School of Military Engineering.
"The most inspirational part was hearing about their selflessness in order to save their mates," Sapper Hornsby said.
The purpose of the initiative was to connect trainees and staff in holding and rehabilitation platoons with those who can provide lived experience about what it means to develop resilience and a positive mindset - crucial qualities for soldiers on the journey back into the fight.
For Sapper Hornsby, the time spent with the two VC recipients left an impression.
"Hearing their stories was the highlight of my career and it's motivated me to continue a long career in Defence," he said.
