Bass is a hero Belgian Shepherd in the British Army. Now, at the age of ten (about 53 human years) he is retiring with honor: in his years of service he has helped to save countless lives by sniffing out five IED bombs (immediate explosive devices) during a raid against the Taliban. For this (and for other brave deeds of his) he received the animal version of the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration awarded for valor “in the face of the enemy” to members of the Armed Forces of some Commonwealth and other nations. some territories of the former British Empire. But that’s not all: thanks to his risk-taking ventures he became the 75th animal to win the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) medal. The award was conceived by the UK charity in 1943 after its founder, Maria Dickin, realized the amount of animal lives – mostly dogs and carrier pigeons – saved in war.
Bass’ resume is rich: he served in the United States Marine Corps for six years in Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia. She spent six years in the US Marine Special Operation Command and conducted more than 350 explosive missions in 46 missions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia. Great satisfaction for his former handler, Sergeant Major Alex Schnell, with whom he now lives in San Antonio, Texas. Bass was nominated for the award by former United States Marine Corps dog handler Chris Willingham. Jan McLoughlin, the director general of the PDSA, praised him: “Bass showed remarkable devotion to duty in helping his team’s mission succeed on the evening of 2019. His actions undoubtedly prevented further loss of life.” .
During a night raid to capture a Taliban bomb maker in Helmand province in May 2019, enemy soldiers opened fire and detonated an IED. To avoid a frontal assault on the enemy position, the team has begun clearing a nearby building to allow them to gain a safer vantage point. Bass took the lead in the eviction and immediately identified an IED near the door of the building. After finding another entrance to the building, he continued to check the facility and identified four more IEDs.
The director general of the PDSA continues: “Whether it’s working dogs like Bass or pets in our homes, animals have a truly unique role in our lives. Every day in our pet hospitals, veterinarians and PDSA veterinary nurses see and protect the incredible connection between pets and their owners, which is why we continue our founder Maria Dickin’s mission: to ensure that no pet suffers from their owners’ financial circumstances, and to honor the incredible role they play in our society. Bass is a wonderful example of how vital animals are. His exceptional skills and determination were evident to all who served with him, and he was a respected member of the team.”
Staff Sergeant Schnell said, “It truly is one of my greatest honors to see Bass awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal. Bass is an incredible dog and I hope his story helps demonstrate how important animals are to our Armed Forces and in key, sometimes life-saving roles they play. We’re all incredibly proud.”
Former Marine Corps dog handler Willingham added, “Bass and Alex made an incredible team that I have had the honor to serve with. ‘Bass’ service and skill demonstrate the finest traditions of the K- 9 and am thrilled to see his achievements recognized with the PDSA Dickin Medal,”
During a night raid to capture a Taliban bomb maker in Helmand province in May 2019, enemy soldiers opened fire and detonated an IED. To avoid a frontal assault on the enemy position, the team has begun clearing a nearby building to allow them to gain a safer vantage point. Bass took the lead in the eviction and immediately identified an IED near the door of the building. After finding another entrance to the building, he continued to check the facility and identified four more IEDs.
The large PDSA Dickin Medal features the words “For Gallantry” and “We Also Serve” within a laurel wreath. It has previously been awarded 75 times to 38 dogs, 32 pigeons, four horses and one cat.
