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! 

 

[beachn4fun]

Good morning, CMN ((HUGS))

I’m doing okay for being a busy Monday.

How about you?

[beachn4fun]

Good morning, Meg ((HUGS))

I have some extra coffee if you'd like to help yourself

[ConorMacNessa]

Doing okay, thanks! We're kind of snowed under here at work.



Nos genuflectitur ad non princeps sed Princeps Pacem!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[beachn4fun]

It’s starting to look that way here. They’re giving me more and more work. At least it pays the bills.

[MEG33]

Just what I need! Thank you, beachy.
;o)

(((HUGS)))

[beachn4fun]

LOL

Hello Pro ((HUGS))

sorry I missed you earlier. I went to the gym this morning and it threw everything off. And then work took over. And I posted but forgot to add names in the to: block so it only went to Kathy. And my brain and fingers are not coordinated this morning.

I didn’t watch Oscars either.

Hope your Monday is warmlicious! Back to work for me. Come on 3 o’clock! LOL

[beachn4fun]

Me too! Having a “wake me up to go home” cup right now.

[unique1]

[E.G.C.]

((HUGS))Good afternoon, Ladies.

[blackie]

Thanks Kathy!

{{HUGS}}

[beachn4fun]

Good morning, EG ((HUGS))

Howz your day going?

[beachn4fun]

Hiya Ma ((HUGS))

Getting ready to head home but had to say hello before I go

[beachn4fun]

Hiya Ma ((HUGS))

Getting ready to head home but had to say hello before I go

[Kathy in Alaska]

Happy Monday, beachy...((HUGS))...I'm getting beat up here.
Hope your day has gone well.

[E.G.C.]

((LOL))Well, it's been kind of a busy day. For one thing the computer went BSOD on me for the second time in two weeks so I ran Chkdisk on it.

And, the materials for the new fence have arrived so work should start soon on it.

My sister is also coming down from the city tomorrow for a visit.

So, it's been kind of busy.

How's your day been going?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Happy Monday, Meg...((HUGS))

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, unique, for the woohoo.

E.....#50!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good afternoon, Sarge...((HUGS))

The bartender yelled out, “Ladies and Gentlemen!” and the whole bar fell silent, and everyone rendered a proper salute while the Anthem was sung. I knew right then, I was among friends, and home.

WOW! Among friends for sure....what a great day. The house is all comfy...do you have your internet all set up now? It's now your home?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hope you had a good Monday, Pro...((HUGS))

[Old Sarge]

I was officially moved in as of last Sunday, Kath. Cable, Internet, power, water, it’s all mine. I now am the proud owner of a 40” flat-screen TV and can watch all my Doctor Who DVD’s anytime I want.