×

A brave stray

Veterans Day is one of many ways we show appreciation for those who have sacrificed for our country. Some other ways we show appreciation are with statues, memorials and monuments. One of these is the National World War 1 Monument and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri. It is there, on a portion called the Walk of Honor, that you can find a dedication to a most interesting hero.

The inscription reads: “Sergeant Stubby. Hero Dog of WWI. A Brave Stray.”

When we think of our veterans, we don’t think about dogs. Yet, 100 years ago, this dog was honored for his bravery, love, intelligence and loyalty by presidents, generals, soldiers and crowds of citizens. Who was this dog who evoked such affection and earned such recognition?

Stubby was a short-legged, homeless American Staffordshire Terrier (Pitbull) from somewhere around New Haven, Connecticut. Day after day, he appeared on the grounds where the young American troops were training before being deployed overseas to fight in World War I. The stray dog was befriended by the 102nd Infantry (Yankee Div). They gave him food and he gave them his loyalty and love. He became their mascot. The soldiers named the boxy little dog with short legs, big chest and smile “Stubby.”

When the division was deployed, the soldiers somehow smuggled ?Stubby onto the ship bound for France. During the trip he was discovered by the commanding officer. Stubby was at risk of being thrown overboard when his intelligence saved him – the soldiers had taught Stubby to salute. He saluted the commanding officer and won him over, allowing him to stay.

After arriving in Europe, the soldiers took Stubby along with them to the infamous trenches of the WWI battlefront. Soon the soldiers realized that Stubby was not there to be a pet, he was there to serve alongside them.

In February 1918, while fighting in a heated sector north of Soissons, Stubby’s unit was under constant attack with no respite for over a month. Toward the end of the battle, Stubby was nearly killed by a mustard gas attack. Stubby then learned to recognize the the smell of the poisonous gas and alert the soldiers long before the they could detect it and it reached a lethal level. He would run up and down the trenches, nipping soldiers until they put their gas masks on and then he would hide until the gas cleared. Later, the men created a canine gas mask for him.

Stubby saved wounded soldiers’ lives. He would race out onto the battlefields and forests with his nose to the ground to locate wounded soldiers. If they were able to walk, Stubby would lead them back to saftey. If not, he would stay with the wounded soldier and bark loudly until a medic arrived. He would not leave their side, sometimes staying through the night, protecting the soldier.

Stubby learned to detect the high pitched sound of enemy mortors that constantly bombarded the troops before humans could hear them. Upon hearing them, Stubby began barking and herding the soldiers to take cover, giving them valuable time to seek protection. The men soon learned to follow Stubby’s orders!

Stubby was nearly killed again when he was hit with a German hand grenade while particpating in the assault of the German town of Schieprey. He was sent to a Red Cross hospital to recover. While recovering from his injuries, Stubby became a therapy dog, hobbling around the hospital comforting and inspiring the wounded soldiers.

After a few months Stubby healed and the loyal dog returned to his unit just in time to particpate in the liberation of Chateau Thierry. It was there that he drew the endearment of French women who made Stubby a chamois uniform. It was later decorated with Stubby’s name, rank and many medals that included the Purple Heart, Republic of France Grande War Medal, the Medal of Verdum, medals from all the campaigns he served in and many others.

Stubby was even officially credited with capturing a German spy. While serving in the Argonne Forest campaign, Stubby discovered a camouflaged German spy hiding. Stubby proceded to bark at him and when the spy ran Stubby attacked him, reportedly biting the spy in the seat of his pants until American soldiers subdued him. It was after this act that Stubby received a battlefield promotion to the rank of Sergeant making him the first dog to be promoted to a rank in US Army. This also meant that Stubby now outranked his owner who was a Corporal! The soldiers stripped the German spy of the Iron Cross on his uniform and pinned the German military medal on Stubby’s jacket instead.

Stubby bravely served with his division through four offenses and 18 battles including the St. Mihel, Meuse-Argonne, Aisne-Marne, and Champagne Marne campaignes.

Upon returning to the United States, he was received as a hero. He led American troops in parades. He was the first dog to be received by a sitting president, Woodrow Wilson. Stubby was awarded many medals for heroism, including a medal from the Humane Society, which was presented by General John Pershing, the Commanding General for the United States Armies. Stubby was also given lifetime membership by the American Red Cross, free food for life from the Y.M.C.A and inducted into the American Legion.

When his master began studying at Georgetown University, Stubby became the mascot of the Hoyas Football team. At half time he would push a football around the field to the cheers of the crowd.

Sergeant Stubby died at his master’s side in 1926 at an estimated age of 10. His obituary was printed in the New York Times. Part of it read “The noise and strain that shattered the nerves of many of his comrades did not impair Stubby’s spirites. Not because he was unconcious of danger. His angry howl while batle raged and his mad canter from one part of the lines to another indicated realization.”

You can see a preserved Sergeant Stubby, and his decorated uniform at the Price of Freedom exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museaum of American History in Washington. If you happen to stroll down the Walk of Honor at the World War I Memorial make sure to look for “A Brave Stray,”and say thank you.

Editor’s note:?Micah Stipech has a MA in Counseling Psychology, is a school counselor at Houghton Elementary, a Coaching Education Instructor for USA Hockey and owner of CrossFit Hakkapeliitta.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today