Kuga is the first Australian dog to be awarded the Dickin Medal For Animal Gallantry
The Belgian Malinois was shot five times while on duty in Afghanistan as part of the Australian Special operations Task Group in 2011.
After being choppered to a target compound, Kuga was sent forward to search for concealed insurgents or explosive devices next to a patrol line near a river.
Undeterred by the close-range fire, Kuga continued swimming until he reached the other side and eventually helped his handler identify and apprehend the insurgent.
Following the incident, he was rehabilitated at medical facilities in Afghanistan and Germany before returning to Australia - but sadly he died a short time later.
It was later suggested Kuga died as a result of the significant stress placed upon his body from the injuries he sustained during the incident.
His medal will be displayed at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra from next year.
30 окт 2018
