A dog who charged through a hail of Al-Qaeda gunfire to save British special forces soldiers has been given the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
Kuno leapt into action when his team were pinned down by grenade and machine-gun fire in a raid at an undisclosed location.
The enemy fired wildly at the shape bounding towards them, but the brave Belgian Shepherd successfully tackled the gunman, letting the soldiers clear the rest of the compound.
Unfortunately several rounds found their mark, and Kuno was shot in both back legs.
He had to have one paw amputated and has since been fitted with custom prosthetic limbs.
Now retired, he has been given the PDSA Dickin Medal for his devotion to duty.
‘Kuno is a true hero,’ said PDSA’s 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.
‘For this bravery and devotion to duty, we are honoured to welcome him as the latest recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal.’
Defence secretary Ben Wallace said: ‘I’m delighted that Kuno will receive the PDSA Dickin Medal.
‘It is testament to his training, tireless bravery and devotion to duty which undoubtedly saved lives that day.
‘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 PDSA Dickin Medal was introduced by the charity’s founder Maria Dickin in 1943.
She believed that if animals were recognised for their heroic actions, it would help raise their status in society and ensure they are better treated.
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