In honor of our bravest four-legged heroes, March 13 is recognized as K9 Veterans Day.
This date was chosen because it marks the birth of the U.S. Army K9 Corps, formed in 1942 to help U.S. soldiers during World War II. After basic obedience training, these patriotic pups were sent off for specialized training for work as sentry dogs, scout dogs, messenger or mine-detection dogs.
They’ve saved many lives over the years. In recognition of our K9 heroes, let’s look at three famous U.S. military panting pooches:
Stubby. Sergeant Stubby is, perhaps, the most famous of war dogs, though his service in the U.S. Army came years before the formation of the official K9 Corps. As a bull terrier from Connecticut named for his short nub of a tail, Stubby took part in 17 battles in the trenches of France during World War I. He comforted the wounded. He warned and saved many from mustard gas attacks. And it’s rumored that he even caught and detained a German soldier once by the seat of the pants. Stubby’s exploits were often featured on the front pages of American newspapers. He died in his sleep in 1926. His obituary ran in the New York Times.
Chips. Born in New York, Chips was the most decorated war dog of World War II. Part German Shepherd, Chips served as a tank guard dog with General Patton’s Seventh Army. He traveled throughout Europe and Africa. He’s best known for saving his handler from enemy soldiers who shot at him from a hidden pillbox. Chips charged the pillbox, where three dog-bitten Italian soldiers soon emerged and surrendered. Chips was awarded several medals during his career, including a purple heart. Officials later revoked these medals, saying animals could not be given such awards. Chips retired with his original owners at the end of the war in 1945. In 1990, Disney made a film about him called “Chips, the War Dog.”
Smoky. As a tiny Yorkshire Terrier who could be carried in a backpack, Smoky was arguably one of the cutest war dogs of World War II. She took part in a dozen U.S. Army combat missions where she helped string communication lines through tunnels and, with her sensitive hearing, warn troops of impending air raids. After the war, Smokey retired with her owner, Cpl. Bill Wynne. She died in 1957 and was immortalized as a statue in Cleveland, Ohio.
Veteran Energy is proud to honor these daring dogs. And we’re also glad there are organizations like our Affinity Partner Paws for Heroes that make it easier for veterans to transition back into life at home. Dogs are important to us on the battlefield and off.
