War dogs or military dogs are special. They loyally serve their handlers and their country. Here are 10 dogs that are proven military heroes, thanks to Anna Martin…
10 DOGS THAT ARE PROVEN MILITARY HEROES
‘Military dogs’ or ‘War dogs’, whatever we call them, we simply cannot deny the fact that they are most loyal and brave animals, whether it’s about securing the house or the borderline. We all have heard stories about dogs securing, guarding and saving humans by sacrificing their own lives. Military dogs are matured and specially trained as compared to other normal dogs, so they require special care and attention.
Dogs have been a part of the military for a long time; they are capable of doing much more than a soldier. They’ve ocular and receptive abilities that are way beyond human capabilities and can threaten a rival more quickly with non-lethal force. That’s why the military prefers to train them for various special duties and roles.
The sense of smell of a dog is way better than a man, which gives them the ability to sense very pale odours and to differentiate between minor differences in chemical composition. War dogs have been serving the military over the centuries and have shouldered many a responsibilities with it.
In this article, we have mentioned 10 strongest military dogs who have proved their loyalty and bravery in the war field.
- German Shepherd Nemo
German shepherds are muscular dog breeds who helped soldiers during World War I, II, and III. They were specially trained for securing, protecting, and delivering messages to soldiers. German shepherds are formally known for their famous ‘prudish and proper’ nature and are amongst the best military dogs.
During the War of Vietnam, a German shepherd named “Nemo” got seriously injured while serving as a sentry, but he didn’t stop fighting off guerrillas until medics arrived. These days German shepherds are specially trained for the Department of Defence.
- Pug Sergeant Stubby
One of the famous and highly appreciated dogs, Sergeant stubby is an American pug who helped soldiers during WWI. The list of his bravery is endless. He helped American soldiers spot a German spy during the war. In Feb 1918, his battalion was attacked with poison gas and somehow, he managed to survive. But this incident made him vulnerable to gas attack.
Stubby helped soldiers as a superhuman during the war, he became an expert in finding injured and unconscious soldiers. Unluckily, this legend was killed by a German grenade. Stubby was a hero of enormous proportions, he led many parades, and became the official amulet of Georgetown University.
- Yorkshire Terrier Smoky
Smoky was a 4-pound Yorkshire terrier war dog with a mouse-chasing history. This little, cute and short friend of ours proved that size does not make a difference when it comes to serving your country. An American soldier “Bill Wynne” found Smoky in the jungle of New Guinea and then trained him for the WWII.
During WWII, smoky saved the life of Wynne by informing him about the incoming fire to a transport ship and became a renowned hero of WWII. He was honoured with feats of bravery for helping soldiers during WWII.
- Valdo
Valdo is amongst one of the best war dogs who especially helped soldiers in detecting bombs and RDX in Afghanistan. During the terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, Valdo served as a sniffer who was trained by his petty officer Ryan Lee. But, apart from bomb-sniffing, he did a lot for the military.
In 2011, during an attacking mission, Valdo got seriously injured as he secured 4 troops against a rocket propelled grenade. He saved the life of all the soldiers by taking the brunt of the shrapnel, but Valdo being such a strong canine survived the attack and still serves as a working dog to his country.
- American Dog Chips
Chips is one of the most tinted American dog who served his country in World War II. He was a mixture of German shepherd, Collie, and Husky breed. During his life in the military, he served the nation at North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. The bravery of Chips is unbelievable – in 1943, during the invasion of Sicily, Chips and his co-soldier were constrained by gunmen.
But, chips somehow broke free and attacked the gunmen and forced them to surrender to American troops. He was awarded with the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his bravery.
6. Labrador Sarbi
We all know how lovable and loyal Labrador’s are and that’s why whenever we think of getting a dog for our home, they come to our mind first. But the fact is that they are by far amongst the strongest military dogs in the world and serve as a warrior to their country.
Sarbi, a black Labrador was the only 2nd Australian animal who received the most prestigious animal bravery award, “The Royal Society” for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ purple cross. In September 2008, while serving as a bomb-detecting dog his unit got attacked by Taliban militants. All his team members including his handler got injured during the attack and he got separated from the unit. After surviving one year in the Taliban heartland, he was finally found at a remote patrol base in north-eastern Uruzgan.
7. Staffordshire Terrier Sallie
During the civil war, Sallie served as a regimental mascot for the 11th Pennsylvania volunteer infantry. He was raised and trained in the regiment and helped soldiers during the war. The stories and braveries of Sallie are incredible; during the war he was separated from the regiment and three days later troops found him guarding the bodies of injured and dead soldiers. Sadly, this legend was killed in a Battle at Hatcher’s Run. In his loving memory, a monument was created by the soldiers who survived at Gettysburg.
8. Mix-Breed Sinbad
One of the bravest dogs of all time, Sinbad served the nation as a coast guard from 1938 to 1949. Sinbad was an adopted mixed-breed dog who became a loyal member of the ship Campbell. The ship was attacked and smashed by the Nazi submarine U-606, but Sinbad still survived the attack.
After the attack, soldiers were deported to other vessels, but as a loyal member to the ship, Sinbad stayed on the ship till it was completely repaired. This legend died in peace after his retirement in 1951 at the Barnegat Light Station.
9. Lex
After being deployed in Fallujah with his co-soldier ‘Cpl. Dustin Lee’, the pair was stricken by a field gun where both of them sustained serious injuries. But, Lex somehow cringed over to Lee and lie on top of him and protected Lee until medics arrived.
When other troops arrived at the location, they found Lex covering his handler, luckily, both of them were alive. The shrapnel injured Lex very badly, but he still survived the attack and recovered after some time. Later on, he was honourably retired from his duties and adopted by Lee to live the rest of his days.
10. Cocker Spaniel Gander
During the WWII, Gander became a member of the Royal Rifles of Canada and was sent to Hong Kong Island to protect it from Japanese attacks. While guarding the injured Canadian soldiers, he was approached by Japanese soldiers; he attacked them and saved the lives of his troop.
In December 1942, during the battle of Lye Mun, this legend left the war field. His team was attacked by a grenade, and to save the lives of his soldiers he picked the grenade and carried it away. The grenade exploded and killed him instantly. Even in his final moments he served his nation by giving his own life. Gander was awarded with the Dickin Medal for this act of bravery.
The list of these military heroes is never-ending. They have been serving and guarding humans since the dawn of time and they will continue doing so in the future as well.
Author Bio:
Anna Barton has always been a dog enthusiast and loves to spend quality time with her puppy Coco. Also, when she is not on a walk with her puppy, she’s busy penning down her thoughts. The very fact that she is currently associated with Masterclip – a company providing pet grooming products- shows her best interests for pets.
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Thank you for highlighting Dogs at War.
The list of animal heroes is endless as millions have gone to the frontline over the last hundred years.
Lest we not forget the dogs who stood by our soldier and handers in places of conflict. Dogs offered their special service as well as companionship to their handlers and other soldiers suffering the psychological impact of war.
Over nine million animals went to WW1 ranging from pigeons, Donkeys, Mules, Camels and Horses.
Dogs volunteered their service and by WW2 were recruited as a significant force to the outcome of battles.
You may not be aware of a memorial monument decimated to the Australian Army Veterinary corp, stands in the grounds of the Light Horse Brigade, Mudgeeraba Gold Coast. The story of the Veterinarian Corp and their animals is on a plaque dating back to WW1.
Unfortunately not many of our Animals at War are remembered on Anzac Day.
Thank you for your comments and support of animals. I wasn’t aware of the monument but will try to check it out next time I’m in the area. We shall be reposting this at Anzac Day.