The PDSA Dickin Medal is the highest award any animal can receive whilst serving in military conflict. It is recognised worldwide as the animals’ Victoria Cross. Instituted in 1943 by PDSA’s founder Maria Dickin CBE, it acknowledges outstanding acts of bravery or devotion to duty displayed by animals serving with the Armed Forces or Civil Defence units in any theatre of war throughout the world.
During the Second World War (1939-45), PDSA's founder Maria Dickin CBE was aware of the incredible bravery displayed by animals on active service and the Home Front. Inspired by the animals’ devotion to man and duty, she introduced a special medal specifically for animals in war.
For more than 80 years, the PDSA Dickin Medal has recognised extraordinary acts of courage that demonstrate the vital role animals have played in protecting and supporting people during times of conflict.
The PDSA Dickin Medal is a large, bronze medallion bearing the words “For Gallantry” and “We Also Serve” all within a laurel wreath. The ribbon is striped green, dark brown and sky blue representing water, earth and air to symbolise the naval, land and air forces.
The Medal has been awarded 75 times since 1943 plus 1 Honorary PDSA Dickin Medal which was awarded in 2014. The recipients comprise of 38 dogs, 32 pigeons, 4 horses and 1 cat.
Roll of Honour
Our PDSA Dickin Roll of Honour celebrates animals that display extraordinary bravery, exceptional devotion to duty, or outstanding service to society while serving in military conflict.
Explore every recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal, organised by species.
Dogs
For centuries, dogs have served alongside people in military conflict. They have displayed remarkable skills alongside their bravery and devotion to duty. Here are some of those impressive dogs.
Bass – Belgian Malinois
US Marine Special Operation Command (MARSOC)
Date of Award: 24 January 2023
"For his life-saving actions during a deployment in Afghanistan in 2019."
Read Bass' story
Hertz - German Shorthaired Pointer
Royal Air Force Police
Date of Award: 22 February 2022
"For his life-saving devotion to duty, protecting British and Allied troops while serving in Afghanistan, in 2013."
Read Hertz' story
Leuk - Belgian Malinois
French Navy Commando Kieffer Unit
Date of Award: 23 April 2021
"For showing outstanding bravery and devotion to his handler and unit during operation in May 2019."
Read Leuk's story
Kuno - Belgian Shepherd Malinois
Royal Army Veterinary Corps
Date of Award: 24 November 2020
"For tireless bravery and devotion to duty during an operation in Afghanistan with the British Military in 2019."
Read Kuno's story
Kuga – Belgian Malinois
Special Air Service Regiment – Australian Army
Date of Award: 26 October 2018
"For unstinting bravery and life-saving devotion to his handler and his unit, while on patrol with Operation Slipper in Afghanistan, 2011."
Read Kuga's story
Chips – Husky crossbreed
US Army
Date of Award: 15 January 2018
"For bravery and devotion to duty during the US Army’s invasion of Sicily on 10 July 1943."
Read Chips' story
Mali – Belgian Malinois
Royal Army Veterinary Corps
Date of Award: 17 November 2017
"For tireless bravery and devotion to duty during an operation in Afghanistan with the British Military in 2012."
Read Mali's story
Lucca - German Shepherd
US Marine Corps
Date of Award: 5 April 2016
"For tireless service to the military communities of the United States of America and coalition partners from 2006 to 2012."
Read Lucca's story
Diesel – Belgian Malinois
Date of Award: awarded posthumously on 28 December 2015
Read Diesel's story
Sasha – Labrador
Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Arms and Explosives Search dog
Date of Award: awarded posthumously on 21 May 2014
"For outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty while assigned to 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, in Afghanistan 2008."
Theo – Springer Spaniel
Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Arms and Explosives Search dog
Date of Award: awarded posthumously on 25 October 2012
"For outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty while deployed with 104 Military Working Dog (MWD) Squadron during conflict in Afghanistan, September 2010 to March 2011."
Treo – Labrador
Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Arms and Explosives Search dog
Date of Award: 24 February 2010
"“On 15 August 2008, while acting as forward protection for 8 Platoon, The Royal Irish Regiment, Treo located a ‘daisy chain’ IED – an improvised explosive device designed to trigger a series of bombs – on a roadside where soldiers were about to pass. It was subsequently confirmed that the device uncovered was new to the area and would have inflicted significant casualties. On 3 and 4 September 2008 Treo’s actions were reported as saving 7 Platoon from guaranteed casualties, again as the result of an IED. Without doubt, Treo’s actions and devotion to his duties, while in the throes of conflict, saved many lives."
Sadie – Labrador
RAVC arms and explosive search dog – Kabul, Afghanistan in November 2005
Date of Award: 6 February 2007
"For outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty while assigned to the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry during conflict in Afghanistan in 2005."
Read Sadie's story
Lucky – German Shepherd
RAF Police anti-terrorist tracker dog – from 1949 to 1952 during the Malaya Campaign
Date of Award: 6 February 2007
"For the outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty of the RAF Police anti-terrorist tracker dog team, comprising Bobbie, Jasper, Lassie and Lucky, while attached to the Civil Police and several British Army regiments including the Coldstream Guards, 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Guards and the Ghurkhas during the Malaya Campaign.Sadly, three of the dogs lost their lives in the line of duty: only Lucky survived to the end of the conflict."
Read Lucky's story
Buster – Springer Spaniel
Royal Army Veterinary Corps
Date of Award: 9 December 2003
"For outstanding gallantry in March 2003 while assigned to the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment in Safwan, Southern Iraq. Buster is considered responsible for saving the lives of service personnel and civilians."
Read Buster's story
Sam – German Shepherd
Royal Army Veterinary Corps
Date of Award: 14 January 2003
"For outstanding gallantry in April 1998 while assigned to the Royal Canadian Regiment in Drvar during the conflict in Bosnia-Hertzegovina, saving the lives of many servicemen and civilians during this time of human conflict."
Read Sam's story
Salty and Roselle – Labrador Guide dogs
Date of Awards: 5 March 2002
"For remaining loyally at the side of their blind owners, courageously leading them down more than 70 floors of the World Trade Center and to a place of safety following the terrorist attack on New York on 11 September 2001."
Ready Salty and Roselle's story
Appollo – German Shepherd
Date of Award: 5 March 2002
"For tireless courage in the service of humanity during the search and rescue operations in New York and Washington on and after 11 September 2001."
Read Appollo's story
Gander – Newfoundland
Date of Award: awarded posthumously on 27 October 2000
"For saving the lives of Canadian infantrymen during the Battle of Lye Mun on Hong Kong Island in December 1941."
Read Gander's story
Tich – Egyptian Mongrel
1st Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps
Date of Award: 1 July 1949
"For loyalty, courage and devotion to duty under hazardous conditions of war 1941 to 1945, while serving with the 1st King’s Rifle Corps in North Africa and Italy."
Antis – Alsatian
Date of Award: 28 January 1949
"Owned by a Czech airman, this dog served with him in the French Air Force and RAF from 1940 to 1945, both in N. Africa and England. Returning to Czechoslovakia after the war, he substantially helped his master’s escape across the frontier when after the death of Jan Masaryk, he had to fly from the Communists."
Brian – Alsatian
Date of Award: 29 March 1947
"This patrol dog was attached to a Parachute Battalion of the 13th Battalion Airborne Division. He landed in Normandy with them and, having done the requisite number of jumps, became a fully-qualified Paratrooper."
Ricky – Welsh Collie
Date of Award: 29 March 1947
"This dog was engaged in cleaning the verges of the canal bank at Nederweent, Holland. He found all the mines but during the operation one of them exploded. Ricky was wounded in the head but remained calm and kept at work. Had he become excited he would have been a danger to the rest of the section working nearby."
Read Ricky's story
Punch and Judy – Boxer dog and bitch
Date of Awards: November 1946
"These dogs saved the lives of two British Officers in Israel by attacking an armed terrorist who was stealing upon them unawares and thus warning them of their danger. Punch sustained 4 bullet wounds and Judy a long graze down her back."
Judy – Pedigree Pointer
Date of Award: May 1946
"For magnificent courage and endurance in Japanese prison camps, which helped to maintain morale among her fellow prisoners and also for saving many lives through her intelligence and watchfulness."
Read Judy's story
Peter – Collie
Date of Award: November 1945
"For locating victims trapped under blitzed buildings while serving with the MAP attached to Civil Defence of London."
Rip – Mongrel
Stray picked up by Civil Defence Squad at Poplar, London E14
Date of Award: 1945
"For locating many air-raid victims during the blitz of 1940."
Sheila – Collie
Date of Award: 2 July 1945
"For assisting in the rescue of four American Airmen lost on the Cheviots in a blizzard after an air crash in December, 1944."
Rex – Alsatian
MAP Civil Defence Rescue Dog
Date of Award: April 1945
"For outstanding good work in the location of casualties in burning buildings."
Rifleman Khan – Alsatian
147. 6th Battalion Cameronians (SR)
Date of Award: 27 March 1945
"For rescuing L/Cpl. Muldoon from drowning under heavy shell fire at the assault of Walcheren, November 1944, while serving with the 6th Cameronians (SR)."
Thorn – Alsatian
MAP Serving with Civil Defence
Date of Award: 2 March 1945
"For locating air-raid casualties in spite of thick smoke in a burning building."
Rob – Collie
War Dog No. 471/332 - Special Air Service
Date of Award: 22 January 1945
"Took part in landings during North African Campaign with an Infantry unit and later served with a Special Air Unit in Italy as patrol and guard on small detachments lying-up in enemy territory. His presence with these parties saved many of them from discovery and subsequent capture or destruction. Rob made over 20 parachute descents."
Beauty – Wire-Haired Terrier
PDSA Rescue Squad
Date of Award: 12 January 1945
"For being the pioneer dog in locating buried air-raid victims while serving with a PDSA Rescue Squad."
Irma – Alsatian
MAP Serving with Civil Defence
Date of Award: 12 January 1945
"For being responsible for the rescue of persons trapped under blitzed buildings while serving with the Civil Defences of London."
Jet – Alsatian
MAP Serving with Civil Defence
Date of Award: 12 January 1945
"For being responsible for the rescue of persons trapped under blitzed buildings while serving with the Civil Defence Services of London."
Bob – Mongrel
6th Royal West Kent Regt.
Date of Award: 24 March 1944
"For constant devotion to duty with special mention of Patrol work at Green Hill, North Africa, while serving with the 6th Battalion Queens Own Royal West Kent Regt."
Pigeons
Due to their speed and reliability, pigeons have served in the military, flying valuable and important battlefield messages. These remarkable pigeons have saved thousands of lives and here are just a few of those valiant stories.
Pigeon – DD.43.T.139
Date of award: February 1947
"During a heavy tropical storm this bird was released from Army Boat 1402 which had foundered on Wadou Beach in the Huon Gulf. Homing 40 miles to Madang it brought a message which enabled a rescue ship to be sent in time to salvage the craft and its valuable cargo of stores and ammunition."
Pigeon – DD.43.Q.879
Date of award: February 1947
"During an attack by Japanese on a US Marine patrol on Manus Island, pigeons were released to warn headquarters of an impending enemy counter-attack. Two were shot down but DD43 despite heavy fire directed at it reached HQ with the result that enemy concentrations were bombed and the patrol extricated."
Duke of Normandy
Pigeon – NURP.41.SBC.219
Date of Award: 8 January 1947
"For being the first bird to arrive with a message from Paratroops of 21st Army Group behind enemy lines on D Day 6 June, 1944, while serving with APS."
Pigeon – NURP.43.CC.1418
Date of Award: 8 January 1947
"For the fastest flight with message from 6th Airborne Div. Normandy, 7 June, 1944, while serving with APS."
Mercury
Pigeon – NURP.37.CEN.335
Date of Award: August 1946
"For carrying out a special task involving a flight of 480 miles from Northern Denmark while serving with the Special Section Army Pigeon Service in July 1942."
Pigeon – NURP.38.BPC.6.
Date of Award: August 1946
"For three outstanding flights from France while serving with the Special Section, Army Pigeon Service, 11 July 1941, 9 September 1941, and 29 November 1941."
GI Joe
Pigeon – USA43SC6390
Date of Award: August 1946
"This bird is credited with making the most outstanding flight by a USA Army Pigeon in World War II. Making the 20 mile flight from British 10th Army HQ, in the same number of minutes, it brought a message which arrived just in time to save the lives of at least 100 Allied soldiers from being bombed by their own planes."
Read GI Joe's story
Princess
Pigeon – 42WD593
Date of Award: May 1946
"Sent on special mission to Crete, this pigeon returned to her loft (RAF Alexandria) having travelled about 500 miles mostly over sea, with most valuable information. One of the finest performances in the war record of the Pigeon Service."
Tommy
Pigeon – NURP.41.DHZ56
Date of Award: February 1946
"For delivering a valuable message from Holland to Lancashire under difficult conditions, while serving with NPS in July 1942."
All Alone
Pigeon – NURP.39.SDS.39
Date of Award: February 1946
"For delivering an important message in one day over a distance of 400 miles, while serving with the NPS in August, 1943."
Mary
Pigeon – NURP.40.WCE.249
Date of Award: November 1945
"For outstanding endurance on War Service in spite of wounds."
Broad Arrow
Pigeon – 41.BA.2793
Date of Award: October 1945
"For bringing important messages three times from enemy-occupied country, viz: May 1943, June 1943 and August 1943, while serving with the Special Service from the Continent."
Pigeon – NPS.42.NS.2780
Date of Award: October 1945
"For bringing important messages three times from enemy-occupied country, viz: July 1942, August 1942 and April 1943, while serving with the Special Service from the Continent."
Pigeon – NPS.42.NS.7524
Date of Award: October 1945
"For bringing important messages three times from enemy-occupied country, viz: July 1942, May 1943 and July 1943, while serving with the Special Service from the continent."
Maquis
Pigeon – NPSNS.42.36392
Date of Award: October 1945
"For bringing important messages three times from enemy occupied country, viz: May 1943 (Amiens) February, 1944 (Combined Operations) and June, 1944 (French Maquis) while serving with the Special Service from the Continent."
Billy
Pigeon – NU.41.HQ.4373
Date of Award: August 1945
"For delivering a message from a force-landed bomber, while in a state of complete collapse and under exceptionally bad weather conditions, while serving with the RAF in 1942."
Scotch Lass
Pigeon – NPS.42.21610
Date of Award: June 1945
"For bringing 38 microphotographs across the North Sea in good time although injured, while serving with the RAF in Holland in September 1944."
Ruhr Express
Pigeon – NPS.43.29018
Date of Award: May 1945
"For carrying an important message from the Ruhr Pocket in excellent time, while serving with the RAF in April 1945."
William of Orange
Pigeon – NPS.42.NS.15125
Date of Award: May 1945
"For delivering a message from the Arnheim Airborne Operation in record time for any single pigeon, while serving with the APS in September 1944."
Kenley Lass
Pigeon – NURP.36.JH.190
Date of Award: March 1945
"For being the first pigeon to be used with success for secret communications from an Agent in enemy-occupied France while serving with the NPS in October 1940."
Navy Blue
Pigeon – NPS.41.NS.2862
Date of Award: March 1945
"For delivering an important message from a Raiding Party on the West Coast of France, although injured, while serving with the RAF in June 1944."
Flying Dutchman
Pigeon – NPS.42.NS.44802
Date of Award: March 1945
"For successfully delivering messages from Agents in Holland on three occasions. Missing on fourth mission, while serving with the RAF in 1944."
Dutch Coast
Pigeon – NURP.41. A.2164
Date of Award: March 1945
"For delivering an SOS from a ditched Air Crew close to the enemy coast 288 miles distance in 7½ hours, under unfavourable conditions, while serving with the RAF in April 1942."
Commando
Pigeon – NURP.38.EGU.242
Date of Award: March 1945
"For successfully delivering messages from Agents in Occupied France on three occasions: twice under exceptionally adverse conditions, while serving with the NPS in 1942."
Royal Blue
Pigeon – NURP.40.GVIS.453
Date of award: March 1945
"For being the first pigeon in this war to deliver a message from a forced-landed aircraft on the Continent while serving with the RAF in October 1940."
Gustav
Pigeon – NPS.42.31066
Date of Award: 1 September 1944
"For delivering the first message from the Normandy Beaches from a ship off the beach-head while serving with the RAF on 6 June 1944."
Paddy
Pigeon – NPS.43.9451
Date of Award: 1 September 1944
"For the best recorded time with a message from the Normandy Operations, while serving with the RAF in June 1944."
Beach Comber
Pigeon – NPS.41.NS.4230
Date of Award: 6 March 1944
"For bringing the first news to this country of the landing at Dieppe, under hazardous conditions in September 1942, while serving with the Canadian Army."
White Vision
Pigeon – SURP.41.L.3089
Date of Award: 2 December 1943
"For delivering a message under exceptionally difficult conditions and so contributing to the rescue of an Air Crew while serving with the RAF in October 1943."
Read White Vision's story
Winkie
Pigeon – NEHU.40.NS.1
Date of Award: 2 December 1943
"For delivering a message under exceptionally difficult conditions and so contributing to the rescue of an Air Crew while serving with the RAF in February 1942."
Tyke (also known as George)
Pigeon – Number 1263 MEPS 43
Date of Award: 2 December 1943
"For delivering a message under exceptionally difficult conditions and so contributing to the rescue of an Air Crew, while serving with the RAF in the Mediterranean in June 1943."
Cologne
Pigeon - NURP39.NPS.144
Date of Award: unknown
"For homing from a crashed aircraft over Cologne although seriously wounded, while serving with the RAF in 1943."
Horses
For thousands of years, horses have served in military combat as valuable companions thanks to their speed, power and loyalty. From hauling valuable supplies to scouting areas, horses helped saved countless lives during military conflict and here are a few of those wonderful stories.
Sergeant Reckless
Date of Award: awarded posthumously on 27 July 2016
"For attention to duty, devotion and loyalty to the United States Marine Corps."
Read Sergeant Reckless' story
Olga
Police Horse
Date of Award: 11 April 1947
"On duty when a flying bomb demolished four houses in Tooting and a plate-glass window crashed immediately in front of her. Olga, after bolting for 100 yards, returned to the scene of the incident and remained on duty with her rider, controlling traffic and assisting rescue organisations."
Upstart
Police Horse
Date of Award: 11 April 1947
"While on patrol duty in Bethnal Green a flying bomb exploded within 75 yards, showering both horse and rider with broken glass and debris. Upstart was completely unperturbed and remained quietly on duty with his rider controlling traffic, etc., until the incident had been dealt with."
Regal
Police Horse
Date of Award: 11 April 1947
"Was twice in burning stables caused by explosive incendiaries at Muswell Hill. Although receiving minor injuries, being covered by debris and close to the flames, this horse showed no signs of panic."
Cats
Due to their heightened senses, cats have helped serve in military conflict by acting as pest control and morale boosters during stressful and traumatic events in warfare. This is where we celebrate the felines who displayed outstanding acts of bravery and devotion on the frontline.
Simon
Date of Award: awarded posthumously 1949
"Served on HMS Amethyst during the Yangtse Incident, disposing of many rats though wounded by shell blast. Throughout the incident his behaviour was of the highest order, although the blast was capable of making a hole over a foot in diameter in a steel plate."
Read Simon's story
Honorary PDSA Dickin Medal
An Honorary PDSA Dickin Medal was awarded in 2014 to War Horse Warrior, to mark 100 years since the start of the First World War. The Honorary PDSA Dickin Medal is a unique award designed to recognise the role that all animals played during this time.
Celebrating 80 years of the PDSA Dickin Medal
In 2023, the Dickin Medal marked its 80th anniversary by celebrating gallant and remarkable animals who served in the Armed Forces or Civil Defence units. Our founder, Maria Dickin, introduced the Dickin Medal on 2 December 1943; to raise the status of animals in society and show how much they enrich our lives.
Can I nominate an animal for a PDSA award?
Think an animal deserves recognition? Download a nomination pack by following the link below to put them forward for a PDSA Animal Award.
We welcome you to nominate an animal that has shown incredible courage, unwavering loyalty or boundless love, so we can celebrate their contribution.