On many occasions, animals such as dogs lend a helping hand in wars.
They were a huge support in keeping up morale during battles.
This is a story of a stray dog who rose to glory and became the “Brave Soldier Dog of The 102nd Infantry”, the most decorated war dog in American history.
His name is Sgt. Stubby.
Stubby the dog was first introduced to the army when he roamed onto a military base and made friends with soldiers at Camp Yale.
This was back in 1917.
The short-tailed bull terrier became the official mascot of the unit soon after.
When it was time for deployment, the 102nd infantry managed to smuggle Stubby aboard the S.S. Minnesota by using an overcoat.
The war was tough and brutal, but the dog stood by the soldiers and even helped save lives.
Aside from boosting their morale, Stubby was also good at warning the men of potential gas attacks through his expert sniffing.
He played the hero many times.
His roles on the battlefield were astounding, from locating wounded soldiers to even capturing a German spy.
He also helped by waking a sleeping sentry to alert him to a German attack.
These were just a few of the many things that Stubby the dog had done for his soldier friends.
In April 1918, the 102nd Infantry finally got a chance to participate in a raid to capture the German-held town of Schieprey.
This was also the time that Stubby got injured in the foreleg when a grenade went off.
A blanket of honor
After they captured the town, a chamois blanket was made for him embroidered with the flags of the allies.
It also held his wound stripe, three service chevrons, and medals.
When the war ended, Stubby was smuggled home the same way he was smuggled into France.
Since he’s become well-known, it was likely that higher-ups weren’t bothered when the dog came aboard to go home.
But his story didn’t end there.
Rather, it was the beginning of his fame.
Stubby became something of a celebrity.
His bravery was written in almost all of the newspapers and he even had a chance to meet three different presidents.
He was made a lifetime member of the American Legion and marched in every legion parade and attended every legion convention from the end of the war until his death.
He became a mascot once more.
His fame even lifted the ban on dogs inside the Grand Hotel Majestic in New York City so he could stay during one of his many visits to Washington.
When his master, J. Robert Conroy, went to study Law, Stubby became the mascot of the school football team joining Georgetown Hoyas.
In 1926, Stubby finally passed away.
His Obituary in the New York Times was bigger than anyone else at the time.
He was eulogized by many who mourned his passing.
His remains were preserved and presented for display purposes to the Smithsonian.
In 1978, he was portrayed in a children’s book titled “Stubby – Brave Soldier Dog”.
Recently, he has figured prominently in a book explaining the 15,000-year-long history of dogs.
His story is just one of the many dogs who have made history in times of need. It is a reminder for all of us that a dog is truly a man’s best friend.
Learn more about the incredible life that Sgt. Stubby lived in the video below!
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