Sam (army dog) facts for kids
Sam was a brave army dog who helped people in dangerous situations. He was a German Shepherd who worked with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. In the 1990s, while serving in a country called Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sam showed amazing courage. He helped catch a man with a weapon and also held back a large, angry crowd that was surrounding a building where people were hiding. For his incredible bravery, Sam received the Dickin Medal in 2003. This medal is like the Victoria Cross, but for animals!
Sam's Amazing Life and Service
Sam was a smart German Shepherd dog. He served with the Dog Unit of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. Sam and his handler, Sergeant Iain Carnegie, were part of a special group called a Peacekeeping force. Their job was to help keep things calm and safe in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In 1998, Sam and Sergeant Carnegie were on patrol in a town called Drvar. They were with soldiers from The Royal Canadian Regiment. Suddenly, a man with a gun started shooting at them! The gunman ran into a bar. Sam, being a brave and well-trained dog, chased after him. He quickly brought the man down. Sergeant Carnegie was then able to take the loaded pistol away from the man.
Just six days later, Sam faced another dangerous situation. A large group of people, armed with crowbars, clubs, and stones, surrounded a building. About 50 people were taking refuge inside. Sam's team managed to get into the building. Sam then bravely held off the angry crowd. He kept them away until more help arrived.
Sam retired from his service two years later, when he was 10 years old. He passed away peacefully soon after.
Sam's Special Award: The Dickin Medal
Sam received the Dickin Medal in 2003, after he had passed away. This special award is given to animals for their bravery. It is often called the "animals' equivalent of the Victoria Cross". Sam received it for his amazing work in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was the fifty-ninth animal to get this award. He was also the first army dog to receive the Dickin Medal since 1944.
The award was given on January 14, 2003. The official statement said:
For outstanding gallantry in April 1998 while assigned to the Royal Canadian Regiment in Drvar during the conflict in Bosnia-Hertzegovina. On two documented occasions Sam displayed great courage and devotion to duty. On 18 April Sam successfully brought down an armed man threatening the lives of civilians and Service personnel. On 24 April, while guarding a compound harbouring Serbian refugees, Sam’s determined approach held off rioters until reinforcements arrived. This dog’s true valour saved the lives of many servicemen and civilians during this time of human conflict.
Sam's handler, Sergeant Carnegie, spoke after receiving the award for Sam. He said he could never have done his job without Sam. He also remembered how Sam never backed down when facing the angry crowd.
