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A retired military dog receives the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross after he was injured and saved the lives of British soldiers fighting al Qaeda insurgents.
Kuno, a three-year-old Belgian shepherd, had to have one of his hind legs amputated after sustaining gunshot wounds to both hind legs during a compound raid in 2019.
When the British troops came under enemy fire, Kuno ran towards one of the gunmen, managing to break the deadlock and change the course of the attack so that the soldiers could complete their mission.
The location of the incident has not been disclosed for security reasons, the Defense Ministry said.
One of Kuno’s claws had to be amputated after he was injured in the raid.
He received emergency treatment from his handler and medics in the back of his helicopter before being flown back to the UK for specialist treatment on an RAF plane.
Kuno underwent several operations before becoming the first UK military dog to be fitted with a custom made prosthesis.
After a long rehabilitation program, which included sessions on a hydrotherapy tape, he has been relocated and is enjoying his retirement.
He is now retired and has been relocated.
He is receiving the PDSA Dickin Medal for bravery, considered the animal equivalent of the prestigious Victoria Cross Medal of Bravery.
It is named after PDSA founder Maria Dickin CBE and has previously been given 34 dogs, 32 WWII homing pigeons, four horses and a cat.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace praised Kuno, saying: “Without Kuno, the course of this operation could have been very different, and it is clear that he saved the lives of British personnel that day. This particular raid was one of the most important achievements against Al Qaeda in several years.
The PDSA Dickin Medal of Valor is considered the ‘animal Victoria Cross’
“Kuno’s story reminds us not only of the dedicated service of our soldiers and military dogs, but also of the great care that the UK Armed Forces give to the animals that serve alongside them.”
PDSA CEO Jan McLoughlin described Kuno as “heroic” and said his medal will be formally awarded to him later this year.
