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U.S. MARINE GERMAN SHEPHERD AWARDED DICKEN MEDAL
Regular E-Sylum readers are aware of a rare and unusual medal given to animals for bravery in battle. Recipients have included
dogs, cats, a horse and even carrier pigeons. Here's an article from The Independent about the latest recipient, a U.S. Marine
dog who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. -Editor
Lucca, a 12-year-old German Shepherd, served in the US Marine Corps for six years, taking part in more than 400 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her efforts to protect the lives of troops by sniffing out munitions led to her being given the Dickin Medal, awarded by the British animal charity, the PDSA. It is the highest award for animals serving in military conflict and Lucca is the 67th animal to be honoured in this way. Lucca, who is the first US Marine Corps dog to receive the medal, helped ensure there were no human casualties during any of the patrols she took part in. The 12-year-old was retired in 2012, after she lost her leg and suffered chest burns while discovering a home-made bomb in Afghanistan. Her owner, Gunnery Sergeant Chris Willingham, who travelled to London with his pet to accept the medal, said "Lucca is very intelligent, loyal and had an amazing drive for work as a search dog. "She is the only reason I made it home to my family and I am fortunate to have served with her. Today, I do my best to keep her spoiled in her well-deserved retirement." To read the complete article, see:
Wayne Homren, Editor The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org. To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com To subscribe go to: https://my.binhost.com/lists/listinfo/esylum All Rights Reserved. NBS Home Page Contact the NBS webmaster 
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