Lex (USMC K9)

Lex was a Belgian Malinois, a breed frequently utilized by the military and law enforcement for their intense drive and scent-work capabilities. He served as an explosive ordnance detection dog for the United States Marine Corps.

Lex served in Afghanistan, where his primary duty was sniffing out concealed improvised explosive devices (IEDs). He worked side-by-side with his handler, Corporal Dustin J. Lee, to protect troops from hazardous materials.

After his handler was fatally wounded in a rocket attack in Iraq, Lex stayed by his side and was wounded by shrapnel himself. He was later awarded an honorary Purple Heart and became the first working military dog to be granted an early retirement to be adopted by his fallen handler's family.

Following his retirement from active duty, Lex was adopted by the family of Corporal Dustin J. Lee in late 2007. He lived out his remaining years as a beloved pet and passed away in 2012 from cancer.