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A Kiwi soldier who returned to Iraq on a second tour of duty has been awarded one of Britain's highest military awards for bravery under fire.
Corporal Terry Knights - a former territorial solder in New Zealand - has been honoured with the Military Cross for bravery and leadership.
The recognition is bitter-sweet for the soldier, who serves with the British Royal Marines.
He returned home this month for his mother's funeral.
His father John Knights, of Motueka, told the Dominion Post he was very proud of his son.
"When he rang to tell me, I burst into tears. He'd only been back in England two weeks after being out here for his mother's funeral.
"I said to him, `Wouldn't mum have been proud'. It was very emotional."
The Military Cross, the third highest British defence force honour, was awarded to Corporal Knights for "gallantry during active operations against the enemy".
Corporal Knights joined the marines 17 years ago while travelling in Britain.
- NZPA
