WASHINGTON, DC—The non-profit Animals in War & Peace (AWP) organization is currently seeking equine nominations for its 2026 awards. These honor the extraordinary service and sacrifice of horses and mules in both military and peacekeeping roles. 

AWP Advisory Board Member Valerie Ormond has been involved with AWP since its inaugural ceremony in 2019. She hopes to recognize more heroes from the equine industry. “Our board knows there are horses and mules that have performed brave acts in roles serving in police forces, security, border patrol and others,” she said. “We’d like to get the word out about this program to help see these deserving working animals rewarded.”

The organization seeks to recognize horses for “exceptional merit and dedication” in roles of significant responsibility. Besides military and law enforcement, these can include agriculture, therapy and emergency response (see category descriptions below).

Recognizing animals’ vital contributions

Robin Hutton, AHP former Equine Book of the Year award winner and New York Times bestselling author of “Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse,” founded the Animals in War & Peace organization. Its purpose: to recognize the vital contributions of animals in times of conflict and peace. The first Medal of Bravery Award Winner #1 in 2019 was earned by the legendary Korean War horse Marine Staff Sergeant Reckless. An animal of great courage and devotion, Sgt. Reckless saved countless lives and set the standard for equine heroism.

The only other equine honored to date is Sgt. York, who received the AWP Distinguished Service Medal #4 in 2023. Sgt. York served 25 years as one of the Army Caisson Platoon’s most important and storied Military Working Equines (MWE). He became a Caparisoned Horse, or “Cap Horse.” A riderless horse led in funeral processions, the Cap Horse symbolizes an officer’s final ride in battle, with empty boots faced backward in the stirrups. Sgt. York carried this honor at President Ronald Reagan’s funeral and for countless other dignitaries.

Equine submissions encouraged

So far, AWP has received eight nominations for 2026, but none for horses or mules. Ormond said, “In seeing this, I wanted to encourage equine submissions to ensure these remarkable animals are recognized alongside their canine and other animal counterparts.”

From the valiant war horses that charged into combat and the carrier pigeons that braved perilous skies with vital communications to the loyal canines who continue to serve alongside military and law enforcement personnel, these animals have played pivotal roles in our nation’s defense and well-being. Yet their stories remain largely absent from traditional historical narratives.

Since its founding, AWP has remained steadfast in its mission to ensure these silent heroes are remembered. The organization has honored 34 working animals on Capitol Hill in ceremonies involving members of Congress. These honors have included 23 Medals of Bravery and 10 Distinguished Service Medals, including recognition for one team. It has also archived their stories on a dedicated digital platform for future generations.

Award categories

Animals in War & Peace Medal of Bravery: Celebrates animals—past, present, or retired—who have demonstrated exceptional courage and service across branches of the U.S. military, law enforcement and emergency response

Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medal: Honors animals whose service to the United States has been marked by exceptional merit and dedication in roles of significant responsibility, including military, law enforcement, agriculture and therapy

Nominations are open to animals currently serving or historically recognized for their service in any of these fields. Submissions must be received by March 13, 2026. The 2026 Animals in War & Peace Ceremony is tentatively scheduled for November 12, 2026. 

For nomination guidelines and more information, please visit: Animals in War & Peace.