Military dog awarded animal equivalent of Victoria Cross

A military dog who lost a leg when sniffing out a roadside bomb has been awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross after serving in more than 400 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lucca, a 12-year-old German shepherd, served in the US marine corps for six years, protecting the lives of troops by sniffing out munitions.

Her efforts were awarded with the PDSA Dickin medal, the highest award for animals serving in military conflict. Lucca is the 67th animal to be honoured in this way and the first US marine corps dog to receive the medal.

There were no human casualties during any of her patrols, but in 2012 she lost a leg and suffered chest burns after discovering a homemade bomb in Afghanistan and retired.

Lucca’s owner, Gunnery Sgt Chris Willingham, travelled to London with his pet to accept the medal.

Read More- The Guardian

Image courtesy of PDSA