A woman who punched a crocodile in the face to save her twin will receive a bravery honour in the King’s first Civilian Gallantry List.
Georgia Laurie, 31, from Sandhurst in Berkshire, lashed out against the vicious reptile during a holiday to Mexico in June 2021.
The twin sisters were swimming in a lagoon near Puerto Escondido when Melissa was dragged under the water.
Georgia fought off the crocodile three times and saved her sister Melissa who was being dragged by the animal.
Both women sustained serious injuries but made good physical recoveries.
The pair continue to suffer mental scars from the ordeal.
Melissa, who developed sepsis and was put into an induced coma, sustained an open fracture to her wrist, severe puncture wounds to the abdomen and many injuries to her leg and foot.
Georgia will receive the first King's Gallantry Medal of Charles III’s reign.
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She said: “It's an honour, I was so shocked as well when I received the letter because I didn't see it coming, I didn't expect it.”
Georgia, who was bitten on her hand, added: “I feel really privileged, it's a silver lining to have come out of the terrible ordeal... it kind of softens the whole traumatic experience.
“It's been a good thing for not just me but for the whole family, I feel like I have to share it with my sister because let's face it I don't think I would have been nominated for it if she didn't survive.
“What's made this story so incredible is Melissa's unwavering bravery throughout it all because she was so strong during it and I don't think I would be here without her, she really gave me the strength to keep fighting.”
The Cilivian Gallantry List of 2024 includes nine people and is the first approved by King Charles III.
PC Zach Printer looks set to receive a medal after he confronted Plymouth gunman Jake Davison unarmed in August 2021.
Davison, a 22-year-old incel, had already shot and killed five innocent victims.
PC Steven Denniss, who was stabbed in the leg while apprehending a double murder suspect while off duty in Lincolnshire in June 2021 will also receive a medal.
