He was today presented the medal – which is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. (Picture: Vickie Flores/LNP)

A military dog who helped save the lives of troops in Afghanistan has received the prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal for his bravery.

Mali, a Belgian Malinois, was recognised for his heroic actions during a highly sensitive military operation in 2012, where he assisted an assault force in securing a key enemy stronghold.

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He was today presented the medal – which is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

The award was presented by the PDSA at a presentation ceremony held at The People’s Palace, London.


Mali attended alongside his current handler, Corporal Daniel Hatley.

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He was today presented the medal – which is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. (Picture: Shinepix)

Mali attended alongside his current handler, Corporal Daniel Hatley. (Picture: Shinepix)

Eight-year-old Mali, who is attached to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), is trained to sniff out explosives and detect insurgents. (Picture: Shinepix)

The dog’s ‘awesome ability and determination’ were praised by PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, who declared the animal ‘an incredibly worthy recipient’ of the medal.



The globally famous medal was introduced by PDSA’s founder, Maria Dickin CBE, in 1943. It is the highest award any animal can achieve while serving in military conflict.

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Mali’s PDSA Dickin Medal is particularly unique because it bears a commemorative ‘Centenary’ bar, to mark its presentation on the charity’s 100th birthday.

Eight-year-old Mali, who is attached to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), is trained to sniff out explosives and detect insurgents.

His expertise during one particular operation was vital in helping the UK forces and its allies secure a key enemy stronghold amid sustained fire.

During the operation, Mali was sent through direct fire on two separate occasions to conduct searches for explosives.

Mali wearing the PDSA Dickin Medal and his handler Corporal Daniel Hatley pose for a photograph (Picture: Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

Mali was also seriously injured by three grenade blasts; the first two explosions caused injuries to his chest, front and rear legs.

A further blast detonated close to his face, causing the loss of Mali’s front tooth and damage to his right ear.

During the operation, Mali was sent through direct fire on two separate occasions to conduct searches for explosives.

He also indicated the presence of insurgents numerous times, giving the assault force vital milliseconds to engage the enemy in close quarter combat.

He was even was hoisted up the outside of the building several times to provide the assault force with a key foothold to attack the insurgents.

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In the melée that took place, the assault force sustained casualties. Mali was also seriously injured by three grenade blasts; the first two explosions caused injuries to his chest, front and rear legs.

A further blast detonated close to his face, causing the loss of Mali’s front tooth and damage to his right ear.

Despite his injuries, Mali continued his duties and pushed forward, remaining close to his handler.

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He played a key role in breaking the stalemate that had begun to develop in the building, providing impetus for the host nation and UK forces to continue to fight and bring about a successful resolution.

Mali’s handler at the time, whose identity has been protected for security reasons, was awarded a gallantry medal for this action during the operation.

After receiving emergency treatment for his injuries, Mali returned home from Afghanistan, where he made a full recovery.

Although retired from front line duties, Mali continues to work at the RAVC’s Defence Animal Centre in Leicestershire, where he and his current handler help to train new dog handlers.

Corporal Daniel Hatley said: ‘I am extremely proud of Mali. The way he conducted himself when it mattered most enabled my colleagues to achieve success in close combat.

‘Being awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal recognises Mali’s vital role within the force that day.’