A US military dog who lost her leg while on duty in Afghanistan has become the first to be awarded the animal equivalent of a British Victoria Cross.

German Shepherd Lucca, aged 12, completed over 400 separate missions during six years of active service with the U.S. military, where she would sniff out explosives.

It is believed she protected the lives of thousands of allied troops during her career, with there being no human casualties during any of her patrols.

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US Marine Corp dog Lucca with her owner Gunnery Sergeant Chris Willingham at the Wellington Barracks in London after receiving the Dickin Medal

German Shepherd Lucca, aged 12, completed over 400 separate missions during six years of active service with the U.S. military, where she would sniff out explosives

However, her final patrol came in March 2012, when she alongside her then handler Corporal Juan Rodriguez, discovered a 30lb improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.

As Lucca searched for the device, a second bomb exploded and she instantly lost her front leg and suffered severe burns to her chest - but miraculously no soldiers were injured in the blast.

Corporal Rodriguez administered first aid to his dog before she was airlifted to Germany to recover, and within ten days she was up and walking again.

Today, Lucca travelled to London from southern California with her former handler and owner Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Willingham to be awarded the PDSA Dickin medal.

Lucca travelled to London from southern California with her former handler and owner Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Willingham to be awarded the PDSA Dickin medal

During a tour of duty in Afghanistan, Lucca stepped on an explosive and she immediately lost her front left leg

Lucca, pictured recovering from her injuries after losing her leg with her then handler Corporal Juan Rodriguez

She was presented with the award during a ceremony at the Wellington Barracks, with the medal the highest award any animal in the world can achieve while serving in military conflict.

Lucca is now the first Marine Corps dog to receive the esteemed honor.

Gunnery Sergeant Willingham, said: 'Lucca is very intelligent, loyal and had an amazing drive for work as a search dog.

'In addition to her incredible detection capabilities, Lucca was instrumental in increasing moral for the troops we supported. In between missions, I took the searching harness off and let her play and interact with the troops.

It only took Lucca 10 days to recover from the blast and now lives with her former trainer Sergeant Willingham in California

'Due to her personality, demeanor and proficiency as a search dog, Lucca made friends wherever she went. Today, I do my best to keep her spoiled in her well-deserved retirement.'

Before serving in Afghanistan, Lucca completed two tours of duty in Iraq with Sergeant Willingham.

She made a number of finds including IEDs and bombs and was also directly responsible for apprehending four insurgents.

Jan McLoughlin, director general of the PDSA added: 'Lucca’s conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty makes her a hugely deserving recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal.

'Her ability and determination to seek out arms and explosives preserved human life amid some of the world’s fiercest military conflicts.

'I am thrilled that both Lucca and Gunnery Sergeant Willingham have made the journey to London to receive this very special award.'

Lucca is the 67th animal to be honoured with the Dickin medal, which is awarded to those who show exceptional service in military conflict.

It was named after the founder of the PDSA Maria Dickin, and 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.