Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day Tribute

Brutus, the first K-9 Congressional Medal of Honor Winner

Today and every day all who have served our country, living and dead, human and animal, deserve our deepest appreciation and recognition for their service and ultimate sacrifice. Brutus is a symbol of their bravery and devotion.

Part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff, Military K9 Brutus tops the scales at 200 pounds. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor last year after his tour in Iraq.

His handler and four other soldiers were taken to an old warehouse and held hostage by insurgents. Brutus and his handler communicate by sign language and he gave Brutus the signal that meant, "go away but come back and find me." The Iraqis paid no attention to Brutus. He came back later and quietly tore the throat out of one Iraqi guard at one warehouse door and then did the same to another guarding a second door. Brutus then jumped repeatedly against one of the warehouse doors until it opened. He went in and untied his handler and they all escaped.

He may be the first K9 to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, but Brutus is also a regular dog and "big lug." He is fond of sitting in laps and enjoys the company of cats. Brutus, you are my kind of hero!

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