Saving Private Smoky: The World War 2 Hero Dog

This story is for all of the Yorkie lovers out there, including you, mom! Down in the Cleveland Metroparks, there is a memorial with a statue of a small dog in a helmet proudly looking up. The statue is adorned with flowers, beads, sticks, and poker chips from people who have paid their respects for the tiny pouch. Engraved on the monument reads "Smoky-Yorkie Doodle Dandy and Dogs of All Wars."

In World War 2, an American soldier found a small Yorkie Terrier taking refuge in the soldier's helmet. When she was found, she didn't understand English or Japanese commands. She would then be sold to another American soldier, Corporal William A. Wynne, for two Australian dollars. Wynne trained her with 200 hand signals and commands. He trained Smoky to bark when there was an oncoming enemy attack so soldiers could prepare themselves. One notable moment where she saved many men's lives was during an attack; the troop needed to run a 70-foot cable across a long pipe, and only someone Smoky size could fit. If the troops were to dig up the field, it would have exposed them to an oncoming attack. 

Aside from participating in combat, Smoky often hung around sick or injured men. She entertained the troop with tricks. One stunt she did was jump 30 feet and parachute down. This would have made Smoky possibly one of the first therapy dogs.

After the war ended, Wynne and the other troops were ordered to leave any animals behind. Not wanting to leave her, he smuggled Smoky in an oxygen mask bag to bring her back to Cleveland. For the remaining years, Smoky visited veterans' hospitals to entertain patients. 

In 1957, Smoky passed away at the age of 14. She was buried in an ammunition box in the Rocky River Reservation. In 2005, a memorial dedicated to her and other military animals would be placed on the gravesite. Since her burial, Smoky continues to receive awards for her heroic deeds. 

Smoky may have been small, but she had a big, courageous heart. Despite weighing only 5-10 pounds, she was a well-respected army member. We salute you, Smoky.