Her story
3 Deployments to Iraq & Afghanistan - Led over 400 patrols
Lucca was a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix who served with the United States Marine Corps for 6 years. Trained to detect explosives, Lucca’s distinguished record includes leading more than 400 patrols in Afghanistan and Iraq during three combat tours. She’s credited with at least 40 confirmed finds of insurgents, explosives and ammunition — and for having no human casualties during her patrols.
In 2012, while on patrol in Afghanistan, she was injured by an IED blast that led to the amputation of her left leg. After recovering at MCB Camp Pendleton, Lucca officially retired in 2012 and was adopted by her original handler, Gunnery Sergeant Chris Willingham.
On 5 April 2016, the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a veterinary charity in the United Kingdom, awarded Lucca the PDSA Dickin Medal. Known as the “Victoria Cross for Animals,” Lucca was the 67th recipient and first US Marine Corps dog to receive the honor.
Lucca died peacefully on January 20, 2018 surrounded by Chris Willingham and his loving family, and Cpl Juan Rodriguez, the handler who was with Lucca when she was injured.
On November 14, 2019, Lucca was one of the first recipients of the Animals in War & Peace Medal of Bravery (#6) that was instituted in the United States on Capitol Hill. She is also listed in the 2023 Guinness Book of Records as being one of the first recipients of this Medal.
To GnySgt Willingham, she will always be his "Lucca Bear."
Gunnery Sgt Chris Willingham & Lucca display her PDSA Dickin Medal in London. (Chris Willingham)
"Send Me" - National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
MWD Lucca K458 is finally in bronze
"Send Me" is the title of the sculpture, and it depicts Lucca standing proudly in her full glory, wearing her harness, ready for work. This monument stands proudly at the end of the Alice Walton Sculpture Garden at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Ft. Worth, TX, across from the Dickies Arena.
2nd MONUMENT Location: On March 13, 2025, a second monument to Lucca K458 was dedicated at the Veterans Military Park in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where Chris Willingham grew up. MWD Lucca K458 went home. Pictures coming shortly.
If you are interested in placing this monument at another location, please contact Robin Hutton, waranimals@yahoo.com or call 805 603-2174 for information and to discuss.
Monument Design & Materials: Lucca is made of bronze. She is slightly larger than life, the size of a very large German shepherd. For the future monuments, it is planned for the pedestal to have a short concrete base with a black granite overlay, and the sides of the pedestal will be engraved black granite with a picture of Lucca in service and a description of her heroics on one side, and on the other, a brief history of the Military Working Dog program that started in World War II.
"Send Me" Lucca K458 is the first of many monuments that will also be part of the new International War Animals Museum.
For more information
If you'd like more information on placing a monument to Lucca for you, please contact Robin Hutton, waranimals@yahoo.com or call 805 603-2174.