Best Defense
Thomas E. Ricks' daily take on national security.

Rebecca’s War Dog of the Week: Layka loses a limb but saves lives

By Rebecca Frankel Best Defense Chief Canine Correspondent Last month in early September, the Air Force’s 341st Training Squadron recognized MWD Layka for her heroic service in Afghanistan. They presented the dog "with a medal of heroism from the unit’s parent organization, the 37th Training Group" — a first for the TS. The barely 3-year-old ...

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By Rebecca Frankel

By Rebecca Frankel

Best Defense Chief Canine Correspondent

Last month in early September, the Air Force’s 341st Training Squadron recognized MWD Layka for her heroic service in Afghanistan. They presented the dog "with a medal of heroism from the unit’s parent organization, the 37th Training Group" — a first for the TS.

The barely 3-year-old Belgian Malinois was on a Special Ops mission in June when during a cordon search for explosives the young dog crossed paths with an insurgent. She was shot multiple times, taking hits to her leg and abdomen. The wounds were severe but the dog launched at and then detained her attacker-securing the safety of her handler and the other men behind them.

"She surprised the terrorist, who was waiting to lay down fire on the team. I heard from people on the mission that if Layka hadn’t reacted like she did, there was a potential for multiple casualties," said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Null, the 341st TRS military working dogs adoptions coordinator. "Layka needed to be recognized for her sacrifice." (Maj. Jason Harris, 341st TRS commander, made sure to note that because honors aren’t given to dogs, this medal was unofficial.)

Layka, whose wounded leg had to be amputated, is now resting comfortably in the custody of her handler. The full story can be found here.

Rebecca Frankel, on leave from her FP desk, is currently writing a book about military working dogs, to be published by Free Press in the fall of 2013.

Thomas E. Ricks covered the U.S. military from 1991 to 2008 for the Wall Street Journal and then the Washington Post. He can be reached at ricksblogcomment@gmail.com. Twitter: @tomricks1

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