Lucca,a US Marine Corps dog that sniffed out explosives and protected thousands of troops has been honoured with a prize for animals serving bravely in military conflict. She is the first US Marine Corps dog to receive the Dickin Medal.
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 on Tuesday in London as she received the medal.