LONDON – Wounded U.S. Marine Corps dog Lucca was presented with Great Britain’s highest honor for military animals this week.
Lucca, a 12-year-old German shepherd, and her handler, Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Willingham, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, travelled to London to receive the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals Dickin Medal, which is awarded for animal bravery. This award is the animal equivalent of the Britain’s Victoria Cross.
“It is very humbling to be part of this entire process,” Willingham said. “I think more importantly is that Lucca’s accomplishments are going to help bring awareness and recognition too all our military working dogs and their handlers.”
Lucca, who sniffed out homemade explosives for six years, was injured in 2012 when one of those devices detonated under her. She lost her front left leg and suffered burns on her chest. No humans were injured in the explosion.
Jan McLoughlin, director general of the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, praised Lucca for her service.
“Lucca’s conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty makes her a hugely deserving recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal,” she said. “Her ability and determination to seek out arms and explosives preserved human life amid some of the world’s fiercest military conflicts.”
Lucca and Willingham trained and served two tours in Iraq together. Lucca was then sent to Afghanistan with a new handler, Corporal Juan Rodriguez. It was there that Lucca was injured. Rodriguez stayed at Lucca’s side as the doctors saved her life.
Before her injury ended her military career, Lucca had completed over 400 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now retired, Lucca lives with Willingham and his family in California.
“She is the only reason I made it home to my family and I am fortunate to have served with her,” the Alabama native said. “Today, I do my best to keep her spoiled in her well-deserved retirement.”
Lucca is the 67th animal to receive the Dickin Medal and the first U.S. Marine Corps dog to be honored. The medal has previously been given to 31 dogs, 32 WWII messenger pigeons, 3 horses, and one cat.
