05/25/2026
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š¾š¾Thousands of K9s have served in peacetime and combat and today we want to share the story of just one who made a differencešŗšø
Lucca was a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix who served with the United States Marine Corps for 6 years. Trained to detect explosives, Luccaās distinguished record includes leading more than 400 patrols in Afghanistan and Iraq during three combat tours. Sheās credited with at least 40 confirmed finds of insurgents, explosives and ammunition ā and for having no human casualties during her patrols.
In 2012, while on patrol in Afghanistan, she was injured by an IED blast that led to the amputation of her left leg. After recovering at MCB Camp Pendleton, Lucca officially retired in 2012 and was adopted by her original handler, Gunnery Sergeant Chris Willingham.
On 5 April 2016, the Peopleās Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a veterinary charity in the United Kingdom, awarded Lucca the PDSA Dickin Medal. Known as the āVictoria Cross for Animals,ā Lucca was the 67th recipient and first US Marine Corps dog to receive the honor.
Lucca died peacefully on January 20, 2018 surrounded by Chris Willingham and his loving family, and Cpl Juan Rodriguez, the handler who was with Lucca when she was injured.
On November 14, 2019, Lucca was one of the first recipients of the Animals in War & Peace Medal of Bravery ( #6) that was instituted in the United States on Capitol Hill. She is also listed in the 2023 Guinness Book of Records as being one of the first recipients of this Medal.
To GnySgt Willingham, she will always be his "Lucca Bear."
Lucca K458 https://share.google/91g4g2bIu4bjAXO5S
