Axel, an Army dog, who lost his life in a counter-terrorist operation in the Kashmir valley, was posthumously honoured with a ‘Mention in Dispatches’.
- A Belgian Malinois breed, Axel is the first Army’s assault Dog to get a ‘Mention in Dispatches’ by President Droupadi Murmu after getting a recommendation from the chiefs of services to recognise distinguished and meritorious service in operational areas, said Army officials.
- The Army stated that Axel’s award would be published in the Gazette of India. Earlier in 2016, army dog Mansi was given mention in disptches award.
- On July 30, during ‘Op Wanigam Bala’, Axel on seeing a terrorist holding a 7.62 mm AK-47 assault rifle, jumped and attacked him. Terrorists shot the valiant soldier.
- Despite being wounded, it again tried to attack but fell down and got killed in action due to excessive blood loss.
About Mention in Despatches
- In order to recognize distinguished and meritorious service in operational areas and acts of gallantry which are not of a sufficiently high order to warrant the grant of gallantry awards, the President has approved the institution of a system of Mention in Despatches.
- During an operation the Chief of the Staff of the Service concerned forwards the names to the Minister for Defence every six months or specially at shorter intervals if occasion should arise, a list of persons deserving recognition.
