Menendez introduces military K9 medal legislation

Military K9 teams would be given special recognition for displaying valor on the front lines, if a measure introduced by U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is enacted.

The Guardians of America's Freedom Medal Act, which Menendez disclosed during the June 11 U.S. War Dog Memorial rededication in Holmdel, would be a first among commendations issued by the Department of Defense (DOD).

Each military branch would bestow the medal, which borrows its identity from the inscription in the Military Working Dog Teams National Monument at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas.

Missions assigned to military K9 teams include detection of improvised explosives, search and rescue, finding casualties, guarding supplies and patrolling perimeters.

"In their own way, military working dogs are also American heroes, American warriors, and part of American military history-and they should be recognized as such," Menendez said in prepared remarks. "We should commend them, on the record, and give them the respect and recognition they have earned and deserve."