New Delhi: On the historic occasion of India's 80th Independence Day, where the entire country is paying tribute to the indomitable courage and martyrdom of its brave soldiers, a name has been included in the list of bravery honors which has made every Indian's chest swell with pride. This name is not of any human brave man, but of the assault dog 'Tyson' associated with the elite 2 Para Special Forces of the Indian Army. Tyson has been decorated with the 'Mention-in-Despatches' honor for locating the hideout of terrorists without caring for his life and not retreating despite being shot in the leg during the anti-terrorist operation in Kishtwar. Tyson is the only Army dog to receive this prestigious honor on Independence Day this year.
When Tyson went ahead of humans on the front
This incident is of a very sensitive anti-terror operation that took place in Chhatru area of Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir in the month of February this year. Based on intelligence, when the security forces team was moving towards the possible hideout of terrorists, at the most dangerous juncture, Tyson, a German Shepherd breed, was sent forward in place of a human soldier.
Tyson belongs to the Remounted Veterinary Corps of the Indian Army and plays a leading role in counter-terrorism operations with 2 Para (Special Forces). Tyson crawled towards a mud house where the dreaded terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed were hiding. As soon as he reached near the house, the terrorists started firing indiscriminately, in which one bullet hit Tyson directly in his leg.
Didn't move even after being shot
Despite serious leg injuries and bleeding, Tyson did not step back. Instead of writhing in pain, he displayed extraordinary wisdom and courage and continued to move forward. He completely attracted the attention of the terrorists by his activities. Due to this bravery of Tyson, the security forces got complete information about the exact location of the terrorists and their firing points. After this invaluable strategic advantage given by Tyson, the soldiers of 2 Para Special Forces surrounded the entire area and launched a decisive attack.
In an 88-hour long operation based on Tyson's strategic input, the Army killed three dreaded terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed. Among the terrorists killed was senior Jaish commander Saifullah Baloch, who years ago had infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border and was the main conspirator of several attacks on security forces. After the operation was over, Tyson was immediately given medical attention and treated by Army veterinarians, his life was saved.
Received 'Mention-in-Dispatches' honor from the President on the 80th Independence Day
President Draupadi Murmu approved 78 gallantry awards and 89 'Mention-in-Despatches' for armed forces personnel on the eve of Independence Day. In this official list released along with 75 Army, 4 Navy and 10 Air Force personnel, the name of Doug Tyson of 2 Para Special Forces was recorded under 'Operation Rakshak'. Tyson's inclusion in this list is a big proof of how important a role these brave four-legged soldiers of the Indian Army play in mainstream military strategies.
The glorious tradition of the voiceless martyrs of the army
This success of Tyson takes forward the great tradition of dozens of military dogs (K9 units) of the Indian Army who risked their lives in the defense of the country. In 2022, Belgian Malinois breed dog 'Zoom', who caught the terrorists even after being shot in the Anantnag operation, received Mention-in-Despatches posthumously. Similarly, 'Phantom', who was martyred while saving soldiers during the attack on the convoy in Akhnoor in October 2024, was honored in 2025. Brave dogs like 'Axel' who martyred in Baramulla, 'Kent' who died while saving his handler from a bullet in Rajouri and 'Mansi' who gave clues to terrorists in Kupwara have registered their names in gold letters in the history of the Army.
Army K9 Unit
Dog squads in the Indian Army are no ordinary pets, rather they are specially trained assault and sniffer warriors for high-risk military operations. These dogs, who undergo rigorous training from a young age, have a keen sense of smell, agility and ability to work in the most difficult and inaccessible areas, making them extremely lethal. The march past of the army cattle team on the duty path in the Republic Day Parade 2026 had made the whole world aware of their strength. Like Zoom, Phantom or Axel, Tyson has become a lucky brave man who got his honor not after martyrdom, but by surviving. Tyson may not wear a uniform or carry a weapon in his hand, but on the country's 80th Independence Day, he has forever registered his name in the bravery history of India with his bravery.