Hero dog wins 'medal of honor' in UK for helping fight Al Qaeda

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Military dog given U.K.'s highest animal honor

A military dog injured while supporting British Special Forces fighting Al-Qaeda rewarded the U.K.'s highest animal honor; Fox News National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin reports.

A Belgian Malinois named Kuno has won the Victoria Cross, the UK's version of the Medal of Honor for helping British special forces fight Al Qaeda.

"Kuno is a true hero," Jan McLoughlin from the PDSA veterinary charity said in a about the four-year-old dog who incapacitated one insurgent and found hidden explosives during a 2019 operation in Afghanistan.

"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," McLoughlin added. "For this bravery and devotion to duty, we are honored to welcome him as the latest recipient of the PDSA Dickin."

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Kuno is the 72nd recipient of the Dickin Medal since it was created in December 1943.

"I’m delighted that Kuno will receive the PDSA Dickin Medal,"  British defense secretary Ben Wallace said in the release. "It is a 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."