Smoky, the little Yorkshire Terrier who served in World War II

During WWII in 1944 Smoky was found in a foxhole in the jungles of New Guinea by an American soldier who brought her back to camp and sold her to Corporal William A. Wynne for $6.44. For the next 2 years Smoky lived a soldiers life. Because she was not an official military dog, she did not get dog food or medical care. She shared Wynne’s meals and slept beside him in his tent.

As a member of the 5th Air Force’s 26th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, this meant Smoky survived more than 150 Japanese air raids in New Guinea and flew 12 rescue and photo reconnaissance missions. The little dog also saved Wynne by warning him of incoming shells. Like many soldiers, Smoky’s discipline helped keep the little pup alive. She learned more than 200 hand signals and commands.

When the war ended, all U.S. troops were ordered to leave their animals before going home. Wynne wasn’t about to abandon Smoky. He smuggled her to the United States in a bag meant for his oxygen mask. For the next 10 years she made television and public appearances in Veterans hospitals until her death in 1957. Smoky died in February 1957 at age 14, and Wynne buried her in a World War II .30 caliber ammunition box in Rocky River Reservation.

Smoky was a mascot, personal pet and perhaps the world’s first emotional support dog for wounded troops. Her gravesite and marker, built by a Vietnam veteran and unveiled in 2005, is dedicated to the animals of all wars who made life easier while supporting their comrades in arms.