US Military Dog Awarded Top Honor for Bravery

A British animal charity has given its top award for bravery to a U.S. military service dog.

Lucca, a German shepherd, completed six years of active service with the United States military in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The U.S. Marines say Lucca protected many American and allied troops. She reportedly saved thousands of lives by identifying explosives with her nose.

The 12-year-old dog and her handler, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Willingham, traveled to London this week. There, they received the British People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Dickin Medal for bravery in battle.

“Her uncanny bravery in the face of adversity, both on and off the battlefield, proved to be an invaluable asset,” said PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin.

Lucca is now retired from the military. But her final mission was an important one. In March 2012, Lucca discovered a 14-kilogram roadside bomb in Afghanistan. She continued the search and a second bomb exploded.

Her left front paw was destroyed. She suffered burns to her chest.

Her leg had to be removed. But she did make a full recovery.

Her move from her duties as a military dog to just a dog of leisure has been uneventful.

“She enjoys just being a dog,” Willingham said. He added that Lucca just enjoys taking life easy and laying on a couch.

I’m Jim Dresbach.

Henry Ridgwell wrote this report for VOANews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

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