May 28, 2018 - Shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the “Dogs For Defense” program was established by the federal government. A few dogs were utilized in World War One and were amazingly efficient soldiers, including Sgt. Stubby who was the most decorated war dog in history. The government decided to put out the word to civilian dog owners that the military was looking for a few good dogs.
Thousands of patriotic pet owners across America responded by donating their pets for enlistment into the K-9 Corps. Little did the Edward J. Wren family from Pleasantville, NY know that their shepherd/husky mix, Chips, would become the most decorated dog hero of World War II.
Chips was shipped out to the War Dog Training Center, Fort Royal, Virginia in 1942 for training as a sentry dog. He served with the 3rd Infantry Division in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. Spirited and quick to learn, Chips served bravely as a tank guard dog, traveling with General Patton’s Seventh Army.
On one occasion, Chips alerted to an impending ambush. Then, with a phone cable attached to his collar, Chips ran back to base, dodging gunfire, so that the endangered platoon could establish a communications line to ask for the backup they so desperately needed.
Perhaps the event that most exemplified his courage and devotion occurred early one morning on a beach in Sicily. As he and his handler proceeded up the beach, they came under fire from a disguised pillbox. Chips broke free from his handler, Pvt. John P. Rowell, and charged the machine gun nest, jumped into the pillbox attacking the gunners. The four crewmen were forced to leave their cover and were captured by U.S. troops. Though wounded during this melee, Chips returned to duty that night, and alerted troops to an approaching group of Italians. This allowed his handler and squad time to capture all ten of them.
For his brave actions, Chips was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and a Purple Heart for his injury. His unit unofficially awarded him a Theater Ribbon with an Arrowhead for an assault landing, and Battlestars for each of his eight campaigns.
The newspapers heralded his exploits. Unfortunately, the press attracted the attention of the Commander of the Order of the Purple Heart. He complained to both President Roosevelt and the War Department, claiming that by so honoring Chips, they were demeaning all the men who have been awarded a Purple Heart. Chip’s medals were taken away, and he was given an honorable discharge in December of 1945. No military dog has received an official decoration since.
The debate surrounding the giving of metals to military dogs not only led to the denying of dogs the right to recognition for their efforts, but also paved the way for the military to classify them as “equipment”, an action that would cost them dearly. When the United Stated pulled out of Vietnam, the military dogs were classified as “equipment” and left behind. Despite earnest efforts to bring the dogs home, the order to abandon them was firm. Over 4,000 dogs served in Vietnam, many sacrificing their lives.
Yes, dogs like Chips and Sgt. Stubby saved thousands of American soldiers from death or serious injury. Stories vary as to what became of these valiant canines, but the one thing that is known to a certainty is that they shared 24/7 with their handler. These dogs gave their full measure of devotion, but they did not get to share the freedom of coming home.
Chips was one of the lucky ones. He was discharged and returned to the Wren family. In 1990, Disney made a television movie based upon his life entitled Chips, The War Dog.
