![]() ![]() On 7 March 2012, Lucca and Cpl Rodriguez were leading a foot patrol when Lucca gave an indication which Cpl Rodriguez quickly recognised and he called the patrol to a halt. Despite being targeted with gunfire on several occasions, they successfully continued their search for IEDs. They were at the front of the patrols to ensure the safety of those behind them. Lucca and Cpl Rodriguez led 75 patrols in Helmand Province an area heavily laden with IEDs. In November 2011 Lucca and her new handler Cpl Juan Rodriguez were selected from 60 Military Working Dog teams to deploy to Afghanistan in support of the Marine Expeditionary Force. ![]() Also, she was directly responsible for the apprehension of four insurgents. Lucca made a number of finds including weapons caches, IEDs and bombs. In 2008, they conducted counter insurgency operations around Diwaniyah. In 2007, they conducted clearing operations along the Tigris River, South of Baghdad. Through all of her emergency treatment and recovery, Cpl Rodriguez never left Lucca’s side.Īfter training together, Lucca and GySgt Chris Willingham served together for two tours in Iraq. Corporal (Cpl) Juan Rodriguez, her handler on the mission, administered life-saving first aid to Lucca. She instantly lost her front left leg and suffered severe burns to her chest. On her final patrol, on 23 March 2012, Lucca discovered a 30lb improvised explosive device (IED) and as she searched for additional IEDs, a second device detonated. Her success was such that there were no human casualties during any of her patrols. Lucca’s skills as a specialised search dog, who was trained to sniff out munitions and explosives, protected the lives of thousands of allied troops, according to the US Marines. Lucca’s is the 67 th PDSA Dickin Medal to be awarded and she is the first US Marine Corps dog to receive the esteemed honour. It is the highest award any animal in the world can achieve while serving in military conflict. The famous medal was instituted by PDSA’s founder, Maria Dickin, CBE, in 1943. Her heroic actions were recognised by the UK’s leading veterinary charity, PDSA, at a ceremony at Wellington Barracks, London (Tuesday 5 April) which was attended by Lucca and her owner, Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) Christopher Willingham. ![]() The 12-year-old German Shepherd, who lost a leg while on duty, successfully completed over 400 separate missions during six years of active service. Retired US Marine Corps dog Lucca receives the PDSA Dickin Medal for gallantry during her six year career at the Wellington Barracks, London on the. ![]()
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