Skip to comments.
FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Chips, The War Dog ~ February, 27, 2012
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !!
| StarCMC
Posted on 02/26/2012 5:00:04 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska
For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday... Thank the Veterans who served in The United States Armed Forces. Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States Armed Forces Today! |
|
~ 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! |
|
TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; heroes; military; troopsupport
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-80 ... 101-103 next last
To: AZamericonnie
Stiffness seems to be not at all. My seat belt bruise seems to be the only aftermath so far, except for a little soreness in my brake foot. My car is another issue.
41
posted on
02/26/2012 7:32:10 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(I like(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: TASMANIANRED
Good evening, Taz...((HUGS))
I don’t seem to be sore at all. I have a lovely seat belt bruise in the making and that is sore, but I am surprised that nothing else hurts, except for a minor ache in my brake foot.
How is your today going?
42
posted on
02/26/2012 7:42:57 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(I like(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: Kathy in Alaska
Great news all around considering!
I do hope the estimates are in line.
To: LUV W
Good evening, Luv...Chips was quite a dog, faithful companion to our heroes, helping them stay alive.
44
posted on
02/26/2012 8:00:08 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(I like(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: AZamericonnie
Me too! I’m hoping the frame is fine....body damage should be fixable.
45
posted on
02/26/2012 8:07:34 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(I like(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: Kathy in Alaska
Been too busy tonight.
Glad you aren’t sore..
Seat belt bruise...lovely shade of blue?
46
posted on
02/26/2012 9:39:04 PM PST
by
TASMANIANRED
(We kneel to no prince but the Prince of Peace)
To: TASMANIANRED
Right now it is purple.
Sorry you’ve been so busy...but I bet the callers are sure glad you were there.
47
posted on
02/26/2012 10:46:15 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(I like(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: blackie; E.G.C.; Arrowhead1952; ConorMacNessa; Allegra; Mrs.Nooseman; beachn4fun; Jet Jaguar; ...
48
posted on
02/27/2012 1:25:35 AM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(I like(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: All
Good morning/afternoon/evening/night Troops, wherever you are.
Thank you for doing your part to help keep all of us free and safe.
Thanks, unique, for the pastries.
Coffee is always on........
How about a donut?
Cookies?
Veggies?
Sandwich?
49
posted on
02/27/2012 1:31:26 AM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(I like(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: Kathy in Alaska; StarCMC
A very pleasant good morning to everyone at the Canteen and to all our military at home and abroad. Thanks for your service to our country.
((HUGS))Good morning, Ladies. Thanks for this morning's thread, Star. How's it going?
50
posted on
02/27/2012 2:45:48 AM PST
by
E.G.C.
(Edward's Soft Rock Playlist: On Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/my_playlists?p=A7A56731DE671E6A)
To: Kathy in Alaska
51
posted on
02/27/2012 2:46:11 AM PST
by
E.G.C.
(Edward's Soft Rock Playlist: On Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/my_playlists?p=A7A56731DE671E6A)
To: LUV W
Josh is my most wonderful and excellent student..he “graduated” long ago because he surpassed me!
He is in two bands (Jazz & Rock-n-Roll) and has joined the Army to be in THE ARMY BAND. He passed the audition with Flying Colors and will be going in June.
But The Blues is his first love.
To: Kathy in Alaska
Good morning, Kathy!
*HUGS*
Sorry I missed the thread last night. I was feeling pretty puny and went to bed at about 8:30.
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)
53
posted on
02/27/2012 4:31:08 AM PST
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
To: Kathy in Alaska; txradioguy; beachn4fun; StarCMC; Lady Jag; laurenmarlowe; tomkow6; GodBlessUSA; ...
Good morning to everyone at the Canteen. We have a chance for rain later today.
54
posted on
02/27/2012 4:53:44 AM PST
by
Arrowhead1952
(Dear God, thanks for the rain, but please let it rain more in Texas. Amen.)
To: Kathy in Alaska
Good morning, Canteen. Good morning to our
AWESOME
Military, our Allies, and their families.
THANK YOU for all you do.
Thank you, Star, for preparing the Canteen for todays activities.
How sad that they left those dogs behind.
They couldn't get away with it now days.
DC Metroland weather report
~ Today...Sunny. Highs around 60.
Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph
with gusts up to 25 mph.
~ Tonight... Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s.
Southwest winds around 10 mph...
Becoming northwest after midnight.
Well, things just got busier.
I've started back at the gym in the mornings
which means my posts will be late
and leaves me little time to hang around.
Therefore, in order to get in my morning hellos
my morning posts may begin to look the same.
Time for me to make my rounds.
But, you stay right where you are. Cause...............I'll be bock!
The FR Canteen is ALWAYS
Come in and sit for a while.
There's always plenty of coffee, tea,
pancakes, conversation, silliness,
and plain old BS
REMEMBER THEM
DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM
FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allied military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before.
|
|
|
|
55
posted on
02/27/2012 5:06:25 AM PST
by
beachn4fun
(You are either an American - or not!)
To: Arrowhead1952; Kathy in Alaska; StarCMC; MS.BEHAVIN; LUV W; AZamericonnie; laurenmarlowe; ...
Good Morning, Sarmajor! And good morning, Ladies!
Thank you, Star, for yet another winning thread this Monday.
And now, a little news from the Sunshine State:
Yesterday, I linked up with a neighbor of mine who is retired Army of 30 years service. He took me as a guest to both the VFW post and the American Legion post here in town.
While we were at the VFW, all the screens at the bar were on the Daytona 500, and we watched the race being rained out. But the ceremonies kept going, and suddenly the National Anthem rang out. 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.
Skyraider used to keep my Legion dues and membership updated before he passed away. Now it’s my turn.
Well, it turned cooler and nastier these last few days, but we’ll see how the weather here shakes out this week. In the meantime, the new house is nice and comfy!
56
posted on
02/27/2012 5:08:01 AM PST
by
Old Sarge
(RIP FReeper Skyraider (1930-2011) - You Are Missed)
To: Joe 6-pack
In addition to being a brave dog, Chips was one lucky dog to be returned to his family after the war. So many of the war dogs died in battle in WWII, or were put down afterwards, deemed to be unsuitable for family ownership after the war. What a great dog!
To: Old Sarge
How awesome to be among people who love the flag, the troops (since they were troops!) and our beautiful country.
It sounds like you are where you belong, Sarge. Welcome home.....
(((hugs)))
58
posted on
02/27/2012 5:50:19 AM PST
by
luvie
(This space reserved for heroes............my AF son....our troops....the vets from all wars...)
To: y'all; Arrowhead1952; beachn4fun; E.G.C.; GodBlessUSA; ConorMacNessa; Kathy in Alaska; HiJinx; ...
I. Need. More. Caffeine.
Monday came way too soon this time, Early Birds!
Hope all of you have a GREAT one, though!
....and enjoy some good weather!
We're SUPPOSED to have rain...yeah, right!
((((hugs))))
59
posted on
02/27/2012 6:19:35 AM PST
by
luvie
(This space reserved for heroes............my AF son....our troops....the vets from all wars...)
To: beachn4fun
Morning Beachie!
Beachie?...Beachie?...As usual the weekend went by way too quickly and winter still has some oomph in it, suppose to get colder.
Did I watch the Oscars?...Uh, no, not for about 20 years; the Hollywood glitterati and I have nothing in common.
Better get some more coffee, I hope your day is scrumtastic!
60
posted on
02/27/2012 6:23:20 AM PST
by
PROCON
(My Passion for FREEDOM is Stronger Than That of Democrats Whose Obsession is to ENSLAVE Me)
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-80 ... 101-103 next last
Disclaimer:
Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson