Dog Who Saved Lives of Troops in War Zones Receives Highest Award for Bravery
A retired US Marine Corps dog who protected the lives of allied troops in Iraq and Afghanistan has been honoured with the PDSA Dickin Medal – the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
The 12-year-old German Shepherd, who lost a leg while on duty, successfully completed over 400 separate missions during six years of active service. Her heroic actions were recognised by the UK’s leading veterinary charity, PDSA, at a ceremony at Wellington Barracks, London (Tuesday 5 April) which was attended by Lucca and her owner, Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) Christopher Willingham.
The famous medal was instituted by PDSA’s founder, Maria Dickin, CBE, in 1943. It is the highest award any animal in the world can achieve while serving in military conflict. Lucca’s is the 67th PDSA Dickin Medal to be awarded and she is the first US Marine Corps dog to receive the esteemed honour.
Lucca’s skills as a specialised search dog, who was trained to sniff out munitions and explosives, protected the lives of thousands of allied troops, according to the US Marines. Her success was such that there were no human casualties during any of her patrols.
On her final patrol, on 23 March 2012, Lucca discovered a 30lb improvised explosive device (IED) and as she searched for additional IEDs, a second device detonated. She instantly lost her front left leg and suffered severe burns to her chest. Corporal (Cpl) Juan Rodriguez, her handler on the mission, administered life-saving first aid to Lucca. Through all of her emergency treatment and recovery, Cpl Rodriguez never left Lucca’s side.
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http://www.dogmagazine.net/dog-who-saved-lives-of-troops-in-war-zones-receives-highest-award-for-bravery/
Good vid of Lucca however I teared up around the 4 min mark...
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