FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Chips, The War Dog ~ February, 27, 2012

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | StarCMC

[Kathy in Alaska]

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~ Hall of Heroes ~

Chips, The War Dog

Info from here.

           

 

 

Chips was a true hero -- but his
Silver Star for valor and a
Purple Heart were taken away
because he was categorized
as mere "equipment."

Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dogs for Defense (DFD) was established. Word soon got out that the armed forces needed dogs. Thousands of patriotic pet owners across America responded by donating their pets for enlistment into the K-9 Corps. Little did a family from Pleasantville, NY know that their shepherd mix, Chips, would become the most decorated dog hero of World War II.

Spirited and quick to learn, Chips served bravely as a tank guard dog, traveling throughout Europe, Africa, and Italy 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 and ask for the backup they so desperately needed.

Perhaps the event that most exemplifies 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 and launched himself right into the pillbox. Moments later several bitten and surrendering Italian soldiers emerged, all shepherded by a very determined Chips.

Though wounded in the 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 of them.

Chips was a true hero. He was awarded a Silver Star for valor, and a Purple Heart for his wounds. 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. Chips' medals were taken away, and he was given an honorable discharge and returned to his family in Pleasantville. 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" -- a classification that would cost them dearly. When the US 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. They saved thousands of American soldiers from death or injury. Stories vary as to what became of these valiant canines, but one thing is known to a certainty is that they shared all 24/7 with their handler. These dogs gave their full measure of devotion -- whatever the danger -- but they did not get to share the freedom of coming home.

- Sandra Estrada

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 

 

[AZamericonnie]

Thank you ladies for this evenings thread! *hugs*

Let the soldiers decide if the dogs deserve the recognition. I imagine the answer would be yes!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Sand...((HUGS))...well attended is good. How many flew?

[SandRat]

Only one Flew today.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, ML...((HUGS))...lessons today?

It’s trying to snow here. As much as I like to watch it snow, I’ve had enough shoveling this year.

[AZamericonnie]

We went & saw Act of Valour today. Oh it’s so worth the price of the tickets.

God bless our Men & Women in uniform & thanks to them for their service.

Be sure to take a tissue or two & try not to get po’d at those who leave while the list of our fallen is being displayed.

[left that other site]

No Lessons today, but an ex student of mine came to the studio to create a Blues Album. Him on Piano, me on vocals. We got 4 tracks down today.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, AZ, for today’s red, white, and blue tribute.

Did you have some time to rest before resuming the work game tomorrow? *HUGS*

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good to hear a positive report from someone who cares.

Yes, God Bless them all, and their families who wait.

Hopefully those who left early at least got a clue about who our heroes are, and why.

[luvie]

I hope I get to see that one. Haven’t been ot a “real” movie in forever. There hasn’t been anything worth going to. This might just be the exception.

Thanks for the mini-review! :)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.

Hope you had a nice weekend.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, SuzyQue...thank you for the prayers for our heroes who gave their all or were injured.

[luvie]

What a great addition to the Hall of Heroes! Those guys give everything they’ve got to their job..sacrificially and unswervingly!

Just like their human counterparts who are heroes, too! :)

Thanks, Galz!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Nate sounds like quite the happy baby.

[AZamericonnie]

Did you have some time to rest before resuming the work game tomorrow?

Not much but did so enjoy the movie & tooks the boys to eat after so I don't have to cook dinner this evening. A good thing!;-}

How's your "stiffness" today? *Hugs*

[SandRat]

He is his own entertaimement and entertains everyone else.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Congratulations to your new Eagle Scout!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Sounds like a fun day for you. Congratulations on the tracks you got down today.

[left that other site]

Thank you!

Real TRADITIONAL Blues...love it!

[TASMANIANRED]

Evening Kathy, Hugs

Are you sore today?

[luvie]

I would LOVE to hear some of THAT! :)