A KIDDERMINSTER-born fighter pilot is to receive two American bravery medals for flying US Stealth jets on bombing missions.

RAF Squadron Leader Al Monkman flew a series of missions over Kosovo in 1999, dropping bombs on Serb positions.

The 39-year-old is now being rewarded for his bravery and heroism by the United States Air Force, which is giving him the US Air Medal and the US Distinguished Flying Cross. He needed special royal approval to receive and wear foreign medals.

Mr Monkman lived in Kidderminster until he was five, when his family moved to Yorkshire.

He told the Shuttle/Times & News: "My father taught at a local college, although I can't remember which one! I was rather young when we moved away but I have fond memories of my early childhood in Kidderminster.

"I love walking and regularly return to the area with friends - I particularly enjoy walking at Kinver Edge and nearby Wenlock Edge."

He added he was honoured to receive the bravery medals.

The Gulf War veteran was in the USA on an exchange posting at the Stealth base in New Mexico when he was called into action.

During the bombing missions he came under sustained anti-aircraft artillery fire and missile attack.

His wife Sandy, 40, was pregnant at the time and gave birth to their daughter Joanna while he was away.

His citation for the DFC said: "The outstanding bravery and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Squadron Leader Monkman reflect great credit upon himself, the RAF and the USAF."

Next year Mr Monkman returns to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland as commanding officer.