A military dog who fought off al Qaeda insurgents is awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
Kuno, Belgian Malinois, saved the lives of British soldiers by bravely charging through enemy gunfire and tackled a gunman, resulting in breaking the deadlock and changed the course of the entire mission.
He and his handler was sent to aid soldiers during a nighttime mission against insurgents, when they were welcomed with resistance.
Undeterred, Kuno leaped into action, dashing towards a machine gun-wielding extremist, biting his arm and wrestling him to the ground.
However, was shot in both back legs during his act, underwent several life-saving surgeries and had a paw amputated due to deadly infection.
As a result, he became the first British military dog to be fitted with a custom-made prosthetic limb.
Due to his heroic actions and devotion to duty, Kuno has been awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal – equal to the Victoria Cross, the highest award in the British honors system.
“Kuno is a true hero,” said PDSA director General Jan McLoughlin.
“His actions that day undoubtedly changed the course of a vital mission, saving multiple lives in the process.”
“And despite serious, life-changing injuries, he performed his duty without faltering,” he added.
Kuno has become the 72nd recipient of the prestigious award – joining a line-up of brave animal soldiers including 34 dogs, 32 messenger pigeons who valiantly flew during World War II, four horses and a cat.
“I’m delighted that Kuno will receive the PDSA Dickin Medal,” said Defense secretary Ben Wallace.
“I am very proud of the role our military working dogs play on operations at home and abroad. Kuno’s story reminds us of the lengths these animals go to keep us all safe.”
The four-year-old veteran has been rehomed after a lengthy process of rehabilitation, which includes sessions on a hydrotherapy treadmill.