A True Hero Receives PSDA Dickin Medal

[1978 NYB]

Meet Lucca, a retired U.S. Marine Corps dog who lost one of her legs while hunting for homemade bombs in Afghanistan.

More than four years after she was reduced to three paws, Lucca was awarded a top military medal for the 400 missions she completed during her service.

PDSA Dickin Medal
The PDSA Dickin Medal is the highest award any animal can receive whilst serving in military conflict. It is recognised worldwide as the animals’ Victoria Cross. Instituted in 1943 by PDSA’s founder Maria Dickin CBE, it acknowledges outstanding acts of bravery or devotion to duty displayed by animals serving with the Armed Forces or Civil Defence units in any theatre of war throughout the world.

The PDSA Dickin Medal is a large, bronze medallion bearing the words “For Gallantry” and “We Also Serve” all within a laurel wreath. The ribbon is striped green, dark brown and sky blue representing water, earth and air to symbolise the naval, land and air forces.

During the Second World War (1939-45), PDSA's founder Maria Dickin CBE was aware of the incredible bravery displayed by animals on active service and the Home Front. Inspired by the animals’ devotion to man and duty, she introduced a special medal specifically for animals in war.

The Medal has been awarded 67 times since 1943 plus 1 Honorary PDSA Dickin Medal which was awarded in 2014. The recipients comprise 32 pigeons, 31 dogs, 3 horses and 1 cat.

Here'e a one minute video on Lucca...

U.S. Military Dog That Lost Leg in Afghanistan Gets Medal

 

[Ripinator]

View attachment 75254 Meet Lucca, a retired U.S. Marine Corps dog who lost one of her legs while hunting for homemade bombs in Afghanistan.

More than four years after she was reduced to three paws, Lucca was awarded a top military medal for the 400 missions she completed during her service.

PDSA Dickin Medal
The PDSA Dickin Medal is the highest award any animal can receive whilst serving in military conflict. It is recognised worldwide as the animals’ Victoria Cross. Instituted in 1943 by PDSA’s founder Maria Dickin CBE, it acknowledges outstanding acts of bravery or devotion to duty displayed by animals serving with the Armed Forces or Civil Defence units in any theatre of war throughout the world.

The PDSA Dickin Medal is a large, bronze medallion bearing the words “For Gallantry” and “We Also Serve” all within a laurel wreath. The ribbon is striped green, dark brown and sky blue representing water, earth and air to symbolise the naval, land and air forces.

During the Second World War (1939-45), PDSA's founder Maria Dickin CBE was aware of the incredible bravery displayed by animals on active service and the Home Front. Inspired by the animals’ devotion to man and duty, she introduced a special medal specifically for animals in war.

The Medal has been awarded 67 times since 1943 plus 1 Honorary PDSA Dickin Medal which was awarded in 2014. The recipients comprise 32 pigeons, 31 dogs, 3 horses and 1 cat.

Here'e a one minute video on Lucca...

U.S. Military Dog That Lost Leg in Afghanistan Gets Medal

I saw this article too, Bob. Pulls at your heart strings. . . Don't it ?

 

[1978 NYB]

I saw this article too, Bob. Pulls at your heart strings. . . Don't it ?

My family has always had German Shepard's for the last 60 years....I know how faithful those dogs are. If dogs could talk I'm sure they would say "I've got your Six" and "I'll take a bullet for you brother"!

 

[Big_John]

My youngest had a friend that joined the Marines and went off to Afghanistan. He had some problems when he got home, but he's doing real well now.

A couple months ago, they gave him the dog, called "Crack Attack, that he had when he was over there.

 

[1978 NYB]

The Belgian Malinois is the only dog that guards the President. They have a training facility in my area at the Army Training Center where they train these dogs.

 

[1978 NYB]