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BarnBuster
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'Victoria Cross for animals': Military dog Kuga posthumously awarded Dickin Medal for bravery
On Friday October 26, the life of military working dog Kuga was celebrated at the Australian War Memorial, after he was shot five times when he detected an insurgent no one else in his patrol could, potentially saving the lives of his entire unit.
The Belgian Malinois served the Special Air Service Regiment, and was posthumously awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal for Animal Gallantry, regarded as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, the most prestigious medal in the military.
The award was accepted on his behalf by retired military working dog, Odin, and Victoria Cross awardee Corporal Mark Donaldson.
Kuga suffered wounds to his back, face, ears, and a shot through his chest that broke his upper left leg after taking fire from an enemy insurgent during a Special Operations Task Group Patrol on August 26, 2011. The incident ultimately lead to his death on July 24, 2012.
Kuga detected an insurgent almost immediately upon commencing the patrol, charging through a river toward them despite being shot at. “Kuga took rounds as part of his job he was trained to do, but certainly didn’t shy away from it, he kept swimming and closing the gap towards him,” said Kuga’s handler, referred to as "Sergeant J", in order to protect his identity. Kuga bit the attacker on the arm, but the insurgent escaped by shooting Kuga, forcing the dog to release its grip.
I'm pretty proud of what Ku did that day...He's the one that chose to go forward, chose to take the bullets for both me and my mates, “He was sitting, I could see his limbs broken, I initially called him and tried to coach him across, he moved a little bit and sat back down,” Sergeant J said. “Then with a little bit more encouragement he just hobbled down on three legs, back into the water and then swam down back across the river, back towards me,” he said.
Kuga was evacuated and received medical treatment in Afghanistan, eventually being sent to Australia, where he died from his wounds almost a year later. Kuga spent the next nine months with vets in Afghanistan, Germany and Australia, who treated him and attempted to rehabilitate him.
Working animals have been a vital part of the military for years. Dogs in particular have an important role due to their advantages over humans in certain situations. “We used their sensory, olfactory system, to tap into that to be able to alert us via an early warning signal,” Corporal Donaldson said. “An example of Kuga, he used his senses that are far greater than ours to alert to the fact that there was an enemy presence in the area, well ahead of what we would’ve been able to see, hear or smell.
The only other Australian animals recognised by the medal are two carrier pigeons that served in World War II, the last of which was recognised in 1947.
Mary Reilly from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), which awards the Dickin Medal, said it was given out very rarely for only the most conspicuous bravery among animals. The Medal was created in 1943 to honour the work of animals in war and has been awarded to 71 individual animals
"Kuga's sacrifice was an ultimate sacrifice," she said. "The reason he got the Dickin Medal was he just was so courageous."
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dannyboy602
Well-Known Member
Omg this made me cry"Every soldier who's ever worked with dogs in combat situations knows how valuable their contribution can be. But rarely do their stories of courage get told.
'Victoria Cross for animals': Military dog Kuga posthumously awarded Dickin Medal for bravery
On Friday October 26, the life of military working dog Kuga was celebrated at the Australian War Memorial, after he was shot five times when he detected an insurgent no one else in his patrol could, potentially saving the lives of his entire unit.
The Belgian Malinois served the Special Air Service Regiment, and was posthumously awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal for Animal Gallantry, regarded as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, the most prestigious medal in the military.
The award was accepted on his behalf by retired military working dog, Odin, and Victoria Cross awardee Corporal Mark Donaldson.
Kuga suffered wounds to his back, face, ears, and a shot through his chest that broke his upper left leg after taking fire from an enemy insurgent during a Special Operations Task Group Patrol on August 26, 2011. The incident ultimately lead to his death on July 24, 2012.
Kuga detected an insurgent almost immediately upon commencing the patrol, charging through a river toward them despite being shot at. “Kuga took rounds as part of his job he was trained to do, but certainly didn’t shy away from it, he kept swimming and closing the gap towards him,” said Kuga’s handler, referred to as "Sergeant J", in order to protect his identity. Kuga bit the attacker on the arm, but the insurgent escaped by shooting Kuga, forcing the dog to release its grip.
I'm pretty proud of what Ku did that day...He's the one that chose to go forward, chose to take the bullets for both me and my mates, “He was sitting, I could see his limbs broken, I initially called him and tried to coach him across, he moved a little bit and sat back down,” Sergeant J said. “Then with a little bit more encouragement he just hobbled down on three legs, back into the water and then swam down back across the river, back towards me,” he said.
Kuga was evacuated and received medical treatment in Afghanistan, eventually being sent to Australia, where he died from his wounds almost a year later. Kuga spent the next nine months with vets in Afghanistan, Germany and Australia, who treated him and attempted to rehabilitate him.
Working animals have been a vital part of the military for years. Dogs in particular have an important role due to their advantages over humans in certain situations. “We used their sensory, olfactory system, to tap into that to be able to alert us via an early warning signal,” Corporal Donaldson said. “An example of Kuga, he used his senses that are far greater than ours to alert to the fact that there was an enemy presence in the area, well ahead of what we would’ve been able to see, hear or smell.
The only other Australian animals recognised by the medal are two carrier pigeons that served in World War II, the last of which was recognised in 1947.
Mary Reilly from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), which awards the Dickin Medal, said it was given out very rarely for only the most conspicuous bravery among animals. The Medal was created in 1943 to honour the work of animals in war and has been awarded to 71 individual animals
"Kuga's sacrifice was an ultimate sacrifice," she said. "The reason he got the Dickin Medal was he just was so courageous."
shrxhky420
Well-Known Member
Happy Hallowiener
SH420
SH420
scumrot derelict
Well-Known Member
used to think there was no bad name for a dog, but then today I met a dog named “derek” so I guess I stand corrected
"Holy Shit" seems appropriate - that's what at least 50% of the people say whom walk into our house in sudden close proximity of our Mastiff.
Singlemalt
Well-Known Member
I used to have a red heeler, wonderful guy ,he died of bone cancer at 9yrs. When he was young he was pure unstoppable energy, needed constant diversion or he'd get bored and chew everything and anything, including my fucking house. I'd take him to work with me during that stage. After that some guys at work would ask "How is Goddamn it?" I didn't catch on at first, "Huh"? Your dog, how is goddamn it? LOL
She looks feisty.
Her eyes look nice and clear
I'm glad she's feeling better.
ChronicWonders.
Well-Known Member
My baby who I’ll meet someday at the rainbow bridge and my other handsome guy...
