When it comes to military service dogs, large breeds such as shepherds, Labradors, and retrievers immediately spring to mind. However, the Yorkshire terrier is not among those.
There is, nevertheless, always an exception to the norm. During WWII, a service Yorkshire terrier saved the lives of nearly 250 US soldiers.
It all began when soldiers who were servicing a car on the side of the road heard screaming coming from an unused foxhole.
There, they located and rescued a dog. They quickly sold her to Corporal William A. Wynne. Because of her grayish fur, the puppy was named Smoky.
The Corporal and the dog became inseparable. They shared the tent as well as the meals.
The corporal taught her numerous tricks and dances, as well as how to serve among the soldiers and execute various jobs while hidden in their bags…
She was able to complete tasks that soldiers usually take days to complete in a couple of minutes due to her diminutive size. For example, she assisted engineers in the construction of an airbase on the island of Luzon by crossing a 70-foot tunnel beneath the airfield.
Besides, she saved her owner Will’s life by guiding him to the evacuation from the deck of the exploding ship that had been attacked.
As a consequence, the corporal dodged the gunshots that injured a large number of persons.
Smoky survived a typhoon, 12 combat missions, 150 air raids, and a parachute jump during her life. Her list of accomplishments includes eight combat stars.
Smoky passed in 1957 at the age of 14. Her bronze statue in the shape of a soldier’s helmet can be found on her grave.
