The family of a Kiwi soldier killed in Afghanistan says they are numb following his death.

Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell, 28, was killed when his three-vehicle patrol was attacked with explosives, rocket propelled grenades and gunfire in north-east Bamiyan Province overnight.
Two other soldiers, Lance Corporal Matthew Ball and Private Allister Baker, suffered serious injuries but are expected to survive. A local interpreter with the patrol was also hurt.

At a press conference at Linton Army Camp today, Mark O'Donnell said his son - honoured for his valour during a skirmish in East Timor - had wanted to be in the army since age four.

Mr O'Donnell said he talked to his son before he left for Afghanistan.

He said to be brave ''but not dead brave''.

''I told him I wanted him to come home. He just laughed and patted me on the back.''

Lieutenant O'Donnell's uncle Barry O'Donnell said the Government should not ''turn tail and run'' because of one casualty.

''I don't think you can go into these ventures without thinking there is going to be casualties, and as soon as there is one, change your mind and run away.''

Mark O'Donnell said the army had a job to do in Afghanistan.

''It would be a waste of Tim's life if we pulled out now.''

The family were feeling numb, with the devastation expected to set in over the next few days, he said.

Condolences from the Prime Minister and high ranking military officers had helped ease the pain.

Air Vice Marshal Peter Stockwell told a press conference in Wellington one of the wounded men suffered burns to 10 per cent of his body as well as cuts and abrasions.

Kiwi troops took shelter in a building after the ambush, before assistance was given by other Kiwi and local troops.

The second suffered cuts and abrasions, and what is believed to be a broken foot.

The Air Vice Marshal said he spoke to Lieutenant O'Donnell's mother this morning.

"It would be fair to say that he was what could be described as a free spirit, he pushed boundaries. That was very much part of his personality."

He said: "This is the event we didn't want to happen."

The team in Afghanistan were "responding well, they are getting on with their business," he said.

"They're looking after the wounded, and Tim, and continue to provide a difference in Bamiyan."