D-Day: Remembering Heroic Siberian Husky War Dogs

Today - D-Day - we remember and honor those heroes who served, both human and canine. According to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home, "The D-Day (Invaston of Normandy) operation of June 6, 1944, brought together the land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history."

Did you know...?

Siberian Huskies played an important role in WWII? 

Photo From History Warfare Network

Visit my previous post HERE all about these amazing Husky War Dogs, including a WWII Husky mix named "Chips" and a Siberian Husky Vietnam War Dog Ambassador named "Buck."

Did You Know...?

Siberian Huskies were one of 7 dogs breeds to be used as War Dogs during WWII? 

Meet "Chips"

It was my sincere pleasure to connect to Herson Whitley's daughter, Mary Ann, who gave me permission to use her father's photo above of Chips, a Husky/German Shepherd/Collie mix, who was the first dog to ship overseas as a Military Working Dog in WWII. He belonged to the Wren Family from Pleasantville, NY. When WWII broke out, U.S. families volunteered their pet dogs into the service as part of the K-9 Corps. Overseas, Chips trained as a sentry dog and assigned to a Military Police platoon and traveled throughout Europe, and saw fighting in Africa and Sicily. While he served on many missions, he is best known for when he attacked enemy troops who were in a pillbox shelter in Sicily, and even though he was wounded himself, he rushed into the shelter and bravely fought by biting the enemy troops, until they surrendered. Chips even met General Eisenhower!  He became the highest decorated War Dog at the time.

 

Meet "Buck" - Vietnam War Dog Ambassador

 “When Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941, the United States inventory of military working dogs consisted of only 90 Siberian Huskies and Malamutes. These dogs were used as pack and sled dogs for rescue in the areas of the world where motorized equipment could not go.”  

~Our War Dogs, Buck’s Heroes

We remember and honor these amazing dogs and their handlers for their courage and sacrifice for our freedoms.

Please be sure to visit the U.S. War Dogs Association's Page to read about some of the heroes and their handlers over the decades. 

 We will never forget.

This blog is in honor of my father, a WWII decorated veteran and Silver Star recipient, and an avid dog lover pictured here with two dogs he befriended on base. I'd like to send a special "Thank You" heavenward to my Dad. He was a TSGT and Silver Star recipient having served on the front lines with the U.S. Army's "Big Red One" First Division, and then his second tour with the Rainbow Division, 16th Infantry during World War II.

 

 

 

The Soldier Dog  

by Joe Ferra 

I was trained to use my eyes to

watch and protect you from harm.

My ears to alert you of impending

danger like an alarm.

My keen sense of smell to detect

an enemy close at bay.

Yes I was a soldier who gave my life

so you could fight another day.

So remember me as time goes by

This soldier dog so true.

For I had only one life to give

and I gave that life to you.

 

 

 

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