VOA Special English
US Military Dog Awarded Top Honor for Bravery

    2016/4/9

    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.

    U.S. Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Willingham stands with Lucca, after the German shepherd received the PDSA Dickin Medal, awarded for animal bravery, in London, April 5, 2016.
    U.S. Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Willingham stands with Lucca, after the German shepherd received the PDSA Dickin Medal, awarded for animal bravery, in London, April 5, 2016.

    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. Jim Dresbach adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

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    Words in This Story

    charityn. an organization that helps people in need

    handlern. a person who trains or controls an animal

    uncannyadj. strange or unusual in a way that is surprising or difficult to understand

    adversityn. a difficult situation or condition

    battlefieldn. a place where a battle is fought

    assetn. a valuable person or thing

    mission n. job or work; duty

    leisuren. time when you are not working; time when you can do whatever you want to do