Profiles in Courage: American Canine Heroes

No matter where in the world American troops may be, there's a strong possibility that you will find U.S. military working dogs serving with them. While these dogs are as affectionate as they are faithful, make no mistake: these are highly skilled soldiers, trained by the best to serve alongside the best. Dogs didn't have an official role in the U.S. military until the creation of the Army K-9 Corps in March 1942. But they've actually joined American troops in battle since the nation's earliest days, and many are still remembered today for their acts of canine courage.

Here are six canine heroes that have contributed to American history:

Sallie

During the American Civil War, troops marching off to battle brought dogs along as unit mascots and companions. Among the most famous was Sallie, the mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry. She was with the unit from puppyhood, licking the wounds of her human comrades and lifting their spirits. Two months before the war's end, she died of a bullet wound on the front line. Years later, the 11th Pennsylvania Regimental Association built a statue in her honor at Gettysburg National Military Park.

Stubby

Stubby was a stray, smuggled to Europe by a soldier with the 102nd Infantry Regiment during World War I. He charmed troops by learning bugle calls and how to salute with his right paw. But he contributed in more important ways too: He alerted soldiers to gas attacks and even captured a German spy dressed as a U.S. soldier, ultimately serving in 17 battles. His heroics earned him the distinction of being the first dog to receive a rank – sergeant – from the U.S. armed forces, according to the Smithsonian Institution.

Chips

A German shepherd-collie-husky mix, Chips served overseas during World War II as one of the members of the military's newly formed K-9 Corps. During the invasion of Sicily in 1943, Chips attacked an enemy machine gun team firing at soldiers in his platoon. He got a scalp wound and powder burns, but was credited with saving the lives of his human teammates. Chips was discharged in December 1945 and returned home to his family, the Wren's of Pleasantville, New York.  In 2018, about 75 years after his military service in Italy, Chips received a posthumous Dickin Medal, a prestigious international award for valor in animal warriors.

Nemo

On a night in early December 1966, about 75 enemy raiders slipped past the first perimeter line at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam. Second line sentry dog teams detected the enemy force, and Security Police killed or captured several of them. The next night, sentry dog Nemo, an 85-pound German Shepherd, detected a small enemy group that remained hidden on the base. His handler, Airman 1st Class Robert Throneburg, released him to attack. As Nemo charged, Throneburg killed two enemy troops.

Enemy return fire hit Throneburg in the shoulder and Nemo in the snout. In spite of his severe wound, Nemo would not leave his handler's side until the firefight was over. Though he lost an eye, Nemo survived. Credited with saving Throneburg's life, Nemo was hailed as a hero. He was taken on tours throughout the U.S., and lived in a special kennel at Lackland AFB, Texas, until his death in 1972.

Gabe

Not all military working dogs in recent history have fancy pedigrees. One heroic pooch from Operation Iraqi Freedom, Gabe, was a pound puppy before he was adopted and trained for military service. Just weeks after completing training in 2006 with his handler, Army Staff Sgt. Chuck Shuck, the two deployed to Iraq, where Gabe sniffed out insurgent explosives, ammunition and other weapons. He was exceptionally productive, racking up 26 finds during his 170 combat patrols. Gabe returned home laden with accolades, and Shuck adopted him when he retired.

Even then, Gabe worked on behalf of the nation, visiting with kids and wounded soldiers in hospitals. The American Humane organization named him its Hero Dog of 2012, a distinction that came with $15,000 for the charity of his choice, the U.S. War Dogs Association.

Lucca

A Marine Corps explosives detection dog, Lucca served deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan during her six-year career, leading nearly 400 patrols and identifying about 40 improvised explosive devices. Not a single Marine was injured while following the half German shepherd, half Belgian Malinois. But on March 23, 2012, Lucca was hurt, while leading a patrol in Afghanistan with her handler.

Shortly after she found an IED, another device detonated, badly injuring Lucca. Her handler applied a tourniquet and she was quickly medevaced for advanced treatment. She survived, but she lost her left front leg. Lucca was medically retired, but quickly adjusted to life with three limbs and a new home with her original handler. In 2016, she became the first U.S. military working dog to receive the Dickin Medal for animal valor.