SOLDIER Dave Benson has returned home to York from Iraq with a rare American honour.

Signaller Benson believes he is one of only two British servicemen to receive the American Army Achievement Medal in the wake of the Iraq war.

Dave, 21, of Haxby, was given the medal for his "dedicated service and attention to detail" while involved in unconventional warfare with the United States Psychological Operations Tactical Detachment in April and May.

In a citation, he is said to have "distinguished himself through selfless action, courage and loyalty to his duty."

Detachment commander Lt Michael DiSalvo said his actions had bestowed great credit on Dave, the 16th Air Assault Brigade and the US Army Special Ops Forces.

The former Joseph Rowntree School pupil said he had heard that the same medal had been given to General Tommy Franks, who led coalition forces in the conflict. He travelled more than 10,000 kms across the Iraqi desert during his time in the Gulf, and lost count of the number of fire-fights he became involved in. He captured three Iraqi prisoners, following brief resistance, seizing two AK 74 guns.

Dave is due to leave the army early next year after five years' service. His actions during the conflict have led to the army doing its utmost to persuade him to stay on, but he remains determined to go."I consider the war to have been the pinnacle of my career," he said. "You can't beat it. I still miss it."

Dave, whose father, Nigel, is a former North Yorkshire police officer as well as an ex-Signaller, is considering moving to the US with his girlfriend, Angie Wheller, to become an American police officer.

His mother, Sue, said: "I am just immensely proud of him, and glad he is home safely. It was an anxious time."

Updated: 10:59 Friday, July 25, 2003