A retired US Marine Corps dog has today (24 January 2023) become the 75th recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal* – the animals equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
The highest honour available to animals, Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) Bass was presented with the award for his bravery and life-saving devotion to duty after his six-year service in the US Marine Special Operation Command (MARSOC).
Bass – the 75th recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal US Marine Corps dog Bass served in the US US Marine Special Operation Command (MARSOC) for six years
Ten-year-old Bass was deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia during this time, where he conducted more than 350 explosive sweeps and 46 high-value missions. But it was during a night-time, air-borne raid targeting a Taliban bomb-maker in May 2019 when Bass’ devotion to duty was truly shown.
While in active firefight with barricaded enemy fighters, Bass identified five explosive devices, directly resulting in lives being saved.
The now-retired Belgian Malinois, who lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his former handler, Staff Sergeant Alex Schnell, was presented with his Medal during a virtual ceremony with Jan McLoughlin, Director General of PDSA, the UK’s largest veterinary charity. The video of Bass’ story and presentation can be viewed at www.pdsa.org.uk/bass.
Discussing the honour, Jan said: “Bass displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in aiding the success of his team’s mission that evening in 2019; his actions undoubtedly prevented additional loss of life.
“Bass’ life-saving actions on that night, make him a truly deserving recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal.”
PDSA’s founder, Maria Dickin CBE, introduced the world-renowned PDSA Dickin Medal in 1943.
Maria opened her first PDSA veterinary clinic in 1917, with the aim to ensure no pet was denied veterinary care because of their owner’s circumstances – a mission the charity continues today.
By the start of WWII, PDSA had Pet Hospitals across the country and was helping thousands of pets and their owners every year.
In 1943, after seeing the incredible difference animals were making in the war effort, Maria awarded the first PDSA Dickin Medal, which she established to recognise animals that display conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty in the field of military conflict. Nearly 80 years later it remains the highest award any animal can receive.
