
07/23/2025
Meet Lucca, a true hero and warrior dog.
If you haven’t heard Lucca’s story yet, it’s one you should know.
Lucca, a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois, served 6 years with the U.S. Marine Corps. She led over 400 patrols across Iraq and Afghanistan, detecting more than 40 explosives and insurgents — keeping every human on her team safe.
In 2012, Lucca was severely injured by an IED, resulting in the loss of her leg. After a courageous recovery, she retired and was lovingly adopted by her original handler, Gunnery Sergeant Chris Willingham.
Lucca’s extraordinary bravery earned her the PDSA Dickin Medal, the highest honor for animal valor and the Animals in War & Peace Medal of Bravery, recognizing her lifelong impact on military working dogs and their handlers.
She passed away in 2018, but to her handler, she’ll always be his beloved “Lucca Bear,” a symbol of loyalty, courage, and sacrifice.