While fighting in Afghanistan in September 2007, Lockett, then a corporal, and the rest of his unit, were commanded to penetrate enemy lines, and ruin their posts. The Soldiers dubbed the mission 'Operation Certain Death', but carried it out nonetheless. However, they were ambushed by Taliban troops. The ambush caused the death of Private Johan Botha and Sergeant Craig Brelsford, as well as inflicting injuries on four other Soldiers. Michael led the remaining Soldiers in an attempt to retrieve the bodies, and rescue the four injured Soldiers. For his "leadership, command, control and supreme courage", Lockett was awarded the Military Cross on 7 March 2008, which he later received from Queen Elizabeth II.