Dogs have been used in the military for centuries, with their loyalty, intelligence, and keen senses making them valuable assets. They have been used for a variety of purposes, including tracking, search and rescue, bomb detection, and even as combatants. Here are five well-known military dogs that have made a significant impact:
Sergeant Stubby
Sergeant Stubby was a Boston Terrier that served in World War I with the 102nd Infantry Regiment. He was a war hero who was involved in 17 battles and four offensives, and he was even wounded in action. Stubby was known for his ability to detect gas attacks before they happened, which saved countless lives. He also helped to locate wounded soldiers and was able to catch a German spy. After the war, Stubby became a celebrity and was even given a lifetime membership to the American Legion and the YMCA.
Cairo
Cairo was a Belgian Malinois that served in the United States Navy SEALs. He was a highly trained explosive detection dog and was part of the team that helped to capture and kill Osama Bin Laden. Cairo was strapped to the chest of one of the SEALs during the mission to ensure that they would be able to detect any explosives.
Lex
Lex was a German Shepherd that served in the United States Marine Corps. He served two tours of duty in Iraq and was trained as a bomb detection dog. Lex was injured in action and lost his handler, Corporal Dustin Lee, in 2007. Lex was awarded the Purple Heart and later retired to live with Corporal Lee’s family.
Chips
Chips was a German Shepherd-Collie-Siberian Husky mix that served in World War II. He was the most decorated dog in the war and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart for his actions. Chips was able to capture a pillbox full of enemy soldiers and even helped to take down an enemy machine gun nest.
