Not only are they our loyal pets and companions, dogs serve in a number of military and service positions, from sniffing out bombs to rescuing fellow Navy members who have fallen overboard, helping people out of burning buildings and even alerting 911 when their pet parents need emergency medical attention.
Some of the most iconic heroes to come out of our world's many wars include dogs, who have been honored with medals and awards for their brave service and heroism.
Their stories will touch you…and probably want to go give your own dog a big hug. Please SHARE these incredible stories of some of wars' unsung heroes and help us honor their bravery!
Lex (Iraq War)
Lux was the first active duty, fully fit military working dog to be granted early retirement so that he could be adopted by his handler's family.
He served during the Iraq War alongside Corporal Dustin J. Lee and was wounded in an attack that killed Lee, receiving the Purple Heart for his bravery.
Smoky the Yorkshire Terrier (World War II)
Smoky was found abandoned in a foxhole by an American soldier during WWII, and for the next two years, accompanied Corporal William A. Wynne on combat fights in the Pacific.
She was awarded with twelve combat missions and eight battle stars, parachuted out of a tree, and slept each night next to Wyne, sharing his C-rations and the occasional cup of SPAM.
Sergeant Stubby (World War I)
The most decorated war dog of the first world war, Sergeant Stubby was the official mascot of the 102nd Infantry, assigned to the 26th (Yankee) Division, served for 18 months, and participated in seventeen battles on the Western Front.
His acts of heroism include saving his regiment from a surprise mustard gas attack, comforting the wounded, and grabbing a German soldier by the seat of his pants and holding him until his regiment could get to him.
Bing aka "Brian" (World War II)
Bing, originally named Brian, was a German shepherd and Collie cross who received the Dickin Medal in 1947 from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals for bravery in service.
Judy the Pointer (World War II)
Judy lived aboard HMS Gnat and HMS Grasshopper, both of which were stationed on the Yangtze before and during World War II. She was adept at listening for and warning her crew of incoming aircraft, though was nearly killed after her ship sunk.
Luckily, she was rescued by a crewman who came to look for supplies, and saved the lives by discovering a fresh water source.
Rob (World War II)
Rob the Collie reportedly made over 20 parachute descents during the North African Campaign in World War II and alongside the SAS in Italy.
While some claim that his missions were a possible hoax, Rob did receive the Dickin Medal in 1945 for his acts of heroism, and after the warm, returned to his owners and lived with them until his last days.
Bamse (World War II)
This iconic portrait of Bamse, the heroic mascot of the Free Norwegian Forces, has become a national symbol for freedom during World War II.
Bamse, which means "teddy bear" in Norwegian, frequently lifted the morale of his crew after being drafted into the Royal Norwegian Navy.
Please SHARE the stories of these heroic dogs so that their memories will live on forever!
