K-9 Valor saved 47 soldiers and killed three insurgents, sustaining severe injuries that destroyed half of his face. In May 2023, at the Pentagon, the seven-year-old Belgian Malinois received the first Congressional Medal of Honor awarded to a military dog for his actions in Kabul on August 26, 2021.
During the Abbey Gate attack, Valor placed himself between a suicide bomber and his handler, detecting a second threat 30 seconds before detonation, allowing 47 soldiers to retreat to safety. Despite severe injuries, he confronted and neutralized three insurgents before collapsing. Valor was airlifted to Germany for 17 surgeries, surviving but losing his facial features.
During the Medal of Honor ceremony, the dog received a standing ovation for eight minutes. His handler, Sergeant Marcus Webb, stated that Valor earned every scar and embodies heroism.
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