Smoky the Dog Hero of WW II

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Memorial Day is depressing, because war is depressing. And the thought the poor dogs who are sent into combat – so trusting and loyal – just breaks my heart. So, I was going to take the day off. No post. Just a moment of silence.

Then I discovered Smoky, a four-pound Yorkshire Terrier and hero of WW II. And, well, I had to share her story.

Found in the jungles of New Guinea in 1944, and sold to a dog-loving soldier named Bill Wynne, Smoky soon became a member of the 5th Air Force, 26th Photo Recon Squadron. She flew 12 combat air/sea rescue missions and survived numerous typhoons and kamikaze attacks.

Autographed (paw print) photo of Smoky in her uniform

Smoky also became a true war hero at Luzon airfield when she pulled a string, attached to vital phone wires, through a 70 foot long , 8 inch diameter pipe. As Bill writes in his memoir Yorkie Doodle Dandy, ‘Without Smoky, it would have taken the troops at least 3 days to dig up, lay wires and replace the strip, putting 40 US fighter and recon planes in peril of destruction by enemy bombings.”

Yes, that’s Smoky parachuting!

But her true calling was entertaining the troops perfecting dozens of tricks to cheer up the boys in the hospitals as they tried to heal.

After the war, she returned to the States with Bill and continued her career in the entertainment business, performing live on stage and TV for 10 years.

Smoky died on February 21, 1957 at age 14. But she lives on in the numerous memorials to her throughout the country where she is remembered as one of the greatest and most beloved dog heroes of all time.

All photos courtesy of Bill Wynne. Visit his website to see more.

Comments

7 responses to “Smoky the Dog Hero of WW II”

May 26, 2008

Greg

Wow, that really does make me miss Dan. Of course, if he were a WWII veteran, he would have spent all his time in the mess tent rather then helping out 😉

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May 26, 2008

WendyB

That first photo with the little tongue sticking out is too much. Jeez, my dogs are lazy good-for-nothings.

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July 1, 2008

Jon

Since this is a dog art blog, your readers may be interested to know that a life size bronze statue of Smoky in her helmet was created and is on display in the Cleveland Metroparks (Rocky River Reservation). Here is more information on the statue and the dedication ceremony in 2005:
http://www.baharystudios.com/war-dog-monument.html
If anyone is interested in purchasing an official, extremely limited edition bronze statue, you can contact Susan Bahary (the artist that created the statue) here:
http://www.baharystudios.com/bahary-studios-contact.html

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July 1, 2008

Moira

Thanks for the info Jon!

Reply
August 1, 2008

mutt nutt

This is a good story. It is not as sad as some others 🙁

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August 30, 2008

Bonnie

What a fantastic story! I
have the book and attended
the dedication ceremony for
the life size monument.
The book is a must read for
all Americans. We need more stories like this
to appreciate the freedoms
we enjoy.
The legacy of Smoky will
inspire many!!!!

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April 20, 2011

aeponga@gmail.com

i am deeply humbled upon learning this dog’s heroic during the second world war in the Philippines. I’ve never anticipated this kind service from a canine. i am very grateful to this creature who once in her life served in our country for our independence. many of our fellowmen never knew of this, but I’m telling everyone of her heroic. thank you, SMOKY!

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