Smoky the War Hero: How a Tiny Yorkshire Terrier Saved Lives During WWII

 

 

 

Smoky in a helmet.

During the chaos of World War II, a four-pound Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky became an unlikely hero, winning the hearts of soldiers and saving lives. Discovered in a foxhole in the New Guinea jungle in 1944, Smoky quickly became a symbol of resilience and courage. Purchased by Corporal William A. Wynne, Smoky would go on to perform incredible feats, including the mission that cemented her legacy as a war hero.

One of Smoky’s most remarkable accomplishments came during the Allied campaign in the Philippines. The Signal Corps needed to run a telegraph wire through a 70-foot-long pipe under an airstrip. The task would normally require digging up the airstrip, putting soldiers and aircraft at risk. But Smoky was sent through the narrow pipe, dragging the wire behind her, saving countless lives by keeping the airfield operational and the men safe from enemy bombings.

Beyond her heroism on the battlefield, Smoky brought comfort to wounded soldiers in hospitals, becoming the world’s first known therapy dog. Her playful spirit lifted the morale of troops from Australia to Korea. After the war, she became a national sensation, performing her impressive tricks on live TV and inspiring millions with her story.

Today, Smoky's bravery is remembered through statues and memorials, including a bronze statue of Smoky sitting in a helmet at the Cleveland Metroparks, where she was buried after her passing in 1957.

Read more about Smoky’s incredible life and legacy at these sources:

• Smoky on Wikipedia
• The Vintage News article on Smoky