This tiny terrier flew with comrades on 12 combat missions while Wynne was stationed on Biak Island. Because of this, he nicknamed her the “angel from a foxhole.” Smoky saved Wynne’s life by barking and alerting him to an incoming kamikaze attack. Her efforts proved critical to saving his life and comforting others. He shared his C-rations with her and she slept on a blanket in his tent. Wynne, an air-crewman in photo-reconnaissance.ĭespite not being an official military dog, Wynne found a way to sneak Smoky around. SmokyĪ four-pound Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie discovered in the New Guinea jungle during WWII made her way to Corporal William “Bill” A. In 1990, the entertainment conglomerate released Chips, the War Dog. But 75 years after his death, he was honored yet again with the Dickin Medal, the highest honor for animals that exhibit wartime bravery.ĭisney, of course, had to create a story about the heroic dog. The Silver Star was revoked after the public became outraged that an animal could receive the same honor as a human.Īfter returning home a war hero in 1942, Chips died the following year. soldiers indicated the bold pooch tore into an Italian machine-gun nest, where he attacked an enemy soldier by the throat and pulled the gun from the mount.Īfter his return to the U.S., he received the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Service Cross. For some who couldn’t fight, sending their animal to assist with war efforts was the best they could do.Īmong them, a German Shepherd-Collie-Siberian Husky named Chips reported for Army duty. RELATED: THE DOGS OF WAR: HOW MAN’S BEST FRIEND SERVES IN THE MILITARYĭuring World War II, individuals wanted to help any way they could with the war effort. The story of Lucca’s life has been turned into a book, “Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca” by Maria Goodavage. She received the Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. In 2016, Lucca was honored for her hard work by The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). She retired and went to live with Staff Sgt. While she survived, she underwent surgery and lost her front leg. Under her watchful eyes and keen nose, she led more than 400 missions where she uncovered explosives, insurgents, and ammunition.ĭuring Lucca’s final mission on March 23, 2012, an IED blew up beneath her. Her job included detecting explosives during her two tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. Marine Corps for six years under handler Staff Sgt. RELATED: MILITARY WORKING DOGS: 9 FUN FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOWĪ German shepherd named Lucca worked missions with the U.S.
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