Not all heroes wear capes — or even walk on hind legs, for that matter. Sometimes, heroes come in the form of man’s four-legged best friend, like Bass the Belgian Shepherd.
Bass worked as a military dog and served six years in the US Marine Corps. He’s now retired and was recently bestowed the honor of becoming the 75th recipient of the PDSA’s Dickin Medal.
RELATED STORIES
Bass Isn’t Your Average Belgian Shepherd.
Whereas most dogs spend their days lounging around the house, wondering when they’ll be fed next, Bass spent the bulk of his life on the battlefield.
This Adorable Pooch Served Six Years In The US Marine Corps.
Bass was tasked with sniffing out IEDs while fighting against the Taliban in Afghanistan. He discovered five different bombs and helped to save countless lives.
Bass Is Just The 75th Animal To Receive The Prestigious Award.
The award was created by UK charity founder, Maria Dickin, back in 1943 — after she discovered how many lives were saved by animals in wartime.
Over The Course Of His Career, Bass Conducted More Than 350 Bomb Sweeps.
This took place over the course of 46 different missions located across three different hot zone countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia.
The Decorated Canine War Hero Is Now 10 Years Old And Fully Retired.
That means that Bass is in his early 50s in human years, the perfect age for early retirement. He currently resides with his ex-handler, Staff Sergeant Alex Schnell, in San Antonio, Texas.
Bass Was Nominated For The Dickin Medal By Former US Marine Corps Dog Handler, Chris Willingham.
Bass also received high praise from Jan McLoughlin, the director general of the PDSA, who made sure to reference a specific mission wherein Bass discovered five IEDs.
“Bass Displayed Conspicuous Gallantry And Devotion To Duty In Aiding The Success Of His Team’s Mission That Evening In 2019,” She Said.
“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.”
Bass’ Owner And Handler, Alex Schnell, Couldn’t Have Been More Proud Of His Former Partner And Friend.
Schnell spoke at length about how being there to witness Bass receive the Dickin Medal was one of the proudest moments of his life.
“Bass Is An Incredible Dog,” Schnell Began In A Statement.
“And I hope his story helps to demonstrate just how important animals are to our armed forces, and the key, sometimes life-saving , roles that they play.”
