07 April,2016 09:42 AM IST | | Agencies
A US Marine Corps’ German shepherd that lost a leg sniffing out a roadside bomb in Afghanistan was awarded the world’s highest honour for service dogs
Washington: A US Marine Corps' German shepherd that lost a leg sniffing out a roadside bomb in Afghanistan was awarded the world's highest honour for service dogs.
Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Willingham with Lucca. Pic/PDSA
Lucca, who served US troops during more than 400 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan over a six-year span, received the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Dickin Medal at the Wellington Barracks in London. Lucca is the first Marine Corps dog to receive the medal, considered the top honour for war animals around the world.
There were no human casualties during Lucca's patrols. Her career ended in March 2012 when she lost her leg and suffered burns from a bombing in Afghanistan.
Her handler, Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Willingham said it was an "incredible honour" to receive the award.
