In this story of heroism, the central figure is Kuno, a courageous dog whose bravery went far beyond his duties. Kuno risked his life to save British troops during a critical mission, earning him the highest honor. His extraordinary actions were recognized with the Dickin Medal, awarded by the British military for acts of valor that surpass the call of duty. No one was more deserving of this accolade.
The narrative, “Kuno’s Sacrifice,” highlights the dog’s remarkable service. Kuno had a distinguished history of successful missions, but his final act of bravery was the most significant. During a raid on an al-Qaeda base, British forces found themselves under heavy attack. Surrounded by armed insurgents, Kuno sprang into action to protect his human companions. As grenades and machine gunfire pinned down Sergeant Reber, Kuno bravely leaped through the hail of bullets to thwart the attackers. His valiant efforts came at a cost—Kuno sustained severe injuries, with his back legs riddled with gunshot wounds.
Following his heroic act, Kuno was treated at the US Army Veterinary Treatment Facility, where he received a brace and a prosthetic leg. In 2016, he became the first UK Military Working Dog to be fitted with a prosthetic limb. After retiring, Kuno was adopted by a loving family, allowing him to enjoy a peaceful and fulfilling life as a pet.
Kuno’s achievement marked him as the 72nd recipient of the Dickin Medal, joining the ranks of 35 dogs, 32 World War II messenger pigeons, four horses, and one cat who have been honored since the medal’s inception by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace praised Kuno’s bravery, emphasizing that the medal serves as a testament to the remarkable contributions of military working dogs on both national and global stages. As Kuno now relishes his well-deserved retirement, his commitment, sacrifice, and bravery remain deeply cherished and celebrated.
