A U.S. Marine Corps dog that sniffed out explosives and protected thousands of troops has been honored with a prize for animals serving bravely in military conflict.
Lucca, a 12-year-old German Shepherd, won the Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, a decoration for bravery. She is the first U.S. Marine Corps dog to receive the honor.
Lucca is credited with saving thousands of allied troops and never had a human casualty on one of her patrols. On her final patrol in Afghanistan, she discovered a 30-pound (13.6-kilogram) improvised explosive device and was searching for more when a second device detonated. Lucca lost her left leg, but survived.
Her owner, Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Willingham of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was by her side Tuesday in London as she received the medal.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Thank you sir for your service, and taking care of the dog the way a person is supposed to. Again THANK YOU. Raymond Stewart
Way too may stories of “Service Dogs” being separated from their “Handlers” and those terms are highlighted for a reason. Animal , especially dogs, are very loyal to their people companions and both suffer upon separation. In my lifetime I have been the caretaker of hundreds of dogs, 5 of them buried in my little plot out back, and the Grief of losing one is second only to having to bury my son at age 30. I hope the military changes its policy of separating these patriots when the human has served his time.
What a wonderful Dog; animals are much better than many people! Thank you Sgt Christopher Willingham for your Service and for taking such good care of Lucca.
Sempre fi Gunney to you and your fearless partner Lucca! Thank you for your service and sacrifices to God and country. We salute you Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Willingham and Marine Corps K-9 Lucca! A well deserved honor!
Will done we salute you and Lucca and Thank You both for your service to your country may God Bless you both