Meet the Sergeant Stubby breed, a dog with a rich history and a hero's heart. This breed is named after Sergeant Stubby, a Boston Terrier who served in World War I.
Stubby's story is one of loyalty and bravery, as he became the first dog to be promoted to sergeant in the US Army. He was found on the front lines and adopted by a soldier, John Robert Conroy.
Stubby's time in the war was marked by his ability to detect gas attacks and locate wounded soldiers. He even captured a German spy and was awarded a Purple Heart for his heroics.
The Life of Sergeant Stubby
Sergeant Stubby was a stray bull terrier mix who wandered onto a military training lot in New Haven, Connecticut in 1917.
He was discovered by Private J. Robert Conroy, a young man with whom he would travel the world, save lives, and become famous.
Stubby quickly joined the daily routines of Private Conroy’s unit, the 26th Yankee Division of the U.S. Army’s 102nd Infantry.
He entertained the soldiers with antics that included a modified salute with his paw.
Stubby's saluting trick came in handy when he arrived in France with Conroy and the other infantry members.
He saluted Conroy’s commanding officer, winning a place in his heart and a trip to the front lines as the 102nd’s mascot.
Stubby survived being wounded from exposure to mustard gas, recovering in a field hospital.
After that exposure, he was able to detect even small amounts of poisonous gas.
During a gas attack, Stubby immediately recognized the smell and ran through the trenches, barking to alert everyone, and saving many soldiers from serious harm.
Stubby's battlefield skills extended beyond gas detection.
He also located wounded men lying in fields between the trenches, his barks alerting searchers who then brought the wounded to safety.
Stubby was involved in 17 battles during his 18 months of service.
He was wounded in his chest and leg by shrapnel during a battle near the German-occupied town of Seicheprey, France in April 1918.
During his treatment at a Red Cross hospital, Stubby doubled as a therapy dog, visiting recovering soldiers to lift their spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What breed was Sergeant Stubby the dog?
Sergeant Stubby was a bull terrier mix. He was a stray who wandered onto a military training lot in 1917.
Where was Stubby buried?
Stubby was not buried, but rather his final resting place is the National Museum of American History. He is preserved and on display there.
Sources
- Five Dog Breeds That Served in World War I (worldwar1centennial.org)
- Sergeant Stubby | World War I Service, Heroism, Mascot, & ... (britannica.com)
- A True Dog of War: Sergeant Stubby (connecticuthistory.org)
- Sgt Stubby (stubbysquad.com)
- The American Legion (legion.org)
- O Say Can You See: Stories from the [Smitshsonian] National Museum of American History (si.edu)
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