Military dog cited for coolness under fire in Afghanistan

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Army dog handlers have nominated Rex, an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois, for a coveted Combat Action Ribbon for showing coolness during a firefight in Afghanistan.

Rex and his handler, Staff Sgt. Cully Parr, were at a town hall meeting with village elders when Taliban snipers attacked. For two hours, the two sides exchanged gunfire and artillery.

Parr ordered Rex, a patrol and explosive-detection dog, to stand fast, lest he be injured and add to the confusion. Despite the chaos and gunfire, Rex obeyed the order and refused to budge.

‘That’s where obedience training comes into play,’ Parr told the American Forces Press Service.

Rex’s unit is now back at their base in Stuttgart, Germany. The daily regimen is training, with a little fun. ‘Rex has a rubber tug toy and loves it,’ Parr said.

Military brass will decide whether Rex will receive the medal.

--Tony Perry in San Diego