logo

Brave army dog awarded highest honor for saving soldiers after being injured by three grenades

Rodolfo Vieira
Sep 26, 2018
03:22 P.M.

Mali, a Belgian Malinois, received the Dickin Medal for saving the lives of Special Boat Service troops during a military operation in Afghanistan.

Advertisement

The medal, awarded by the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, is considered to be the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, the UK's highest honor for gallantry.

As reported by The Guardian, Cpl Daniel Hatley, who trained Mali ever since he was a puppy, confessed that he was 'extremely proud' of him for the way that he conducted himself.

Follow us on our Twitter account @amomamam_usa to learn more.

According to Hatley, Mali's heroic actions allowed his colleagues to achieve success in close combat, which wouldn't have been possible without him.

Advertisement

During the near eight-hour operation to dislodge a heavily armed Taliban force from a building, Mali was wounded by three grenades.

A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

The first two blasts injured his chest and both front and rear legs, while the third exploded near his snout, damaging his ear and causing him to lose a front tooth.

Despite his serious injuries, Mali remained by his handler's side at all times, braving direct fire twice and even being hoisted up the outside of the building on a number of occasions.

Advertisement

ESSENTIAL TO THE MISSION

His bravery enabled the British forces to safely engage in close-quarters combat by locating the enemy and saving the lives of those fighting by his side.

Mali, a K-9 that specializes in the detection of explosives and insurgents, is seen by everyone in the military for what he his: a hero. He is one of the many examples of the important role animals play in the armed forces.

Advertisement

The four-legged soldier was the 69th animal to receive the Dickin Medal ever since it was created in 1943. The other medals were given to 32 world war pigeons, 31 dogs, four horses and a cat.

SGT. RECKLESS

Among those heroes is Sgt. Reckless, a Mare that was honored for her military service with the U.S. Marines during the Korean War in 1952 and 1953.

Reckless made over 51 trips between ammunition supply points and firing sites through the course of five days, braving enemy fire while carrying 'over 9,000 pounds' of ammunition, and still managed to come out alive from the conflict.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Oliver Elfman 'Hates Taking Pictures' & Leads a Secretive Life

October 31, 2023

Charlie Chaplin Had 11 Children with 3 Women & Some of His Kids Became Actors Too

January 14, 2024

Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps Welcomes 4th Son & His Shirtless 1st Photo with Baby Sparks Debate

January 23, 2024

This Woman Is the Most Titled in the World — Her Kids Were Horrified When She Married Again at 85

December 07, 2023

How Former President Barack Obama's Daughters Live Now: They Shop at Yard Sales & Are Budget-Savvy

January 23, 2024

Karim Kamoun: More about Ons Jabeur's Husband Who Doubles as Her Fitness Trainer

November 04, 2023

Barry Manilow Explains Not Coming Out as Gay until 2017 as He Credits Husband for Saving His Life

November 13, 2023

Romeo Beckham Is an 'Image of His Dad' in Recent Photo with His Girlfriend

October 29, 2023

4 Missing Teen Boys Found Dead — Girlfriend Writes Devastating Words to Her Late ‘Most Loving Boy'

November 24, 2023

Poor Cafe Waiter Is Fired for Feeding Hungry Dog, Later Cafe Owner Learns It Was His Dog – Story of the Day

February 02, 2024

Indiana Hawke Is a Budding Creative like Her Dad Ethan Hawke

October 31, 2023

Am I Wrong for Checking My Husband's Dashcam Footage on His Car without His Consent?

January 30, 2024

Prince's Estate Battle Lasted 6 Years: Who Got His Millions Following the Court's Decision

November 10, 2023

Military Man Is Kicked Out of His Sister’s Wedding When He Arrives to Surprise Her – Story of the Day

March 13, 2024