Chips: Heroic Dog of World War II

 

In my series of heroic wartime animals, I'm sharing stories of Dickin Medal recipients. The award was, and still is, given for valor to our furry friends who risked their lives to save many others. It is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.  

So far, I've discussed a courageous Pigeon named Cher Ami and a horse called Sergeant Reckless. 

Now it is Chips' turn. Out of 10,425 soldier dogs during World War II, he is the most decorated and most unlikely. Chips, an American German Shepherd-Collie-Malamute mix, served in the US army Third Infantry Division.

A native of Pleasantville, New York, Chips had a taste for mischief, chasing chickens, garbage collectors, and creating a ruckus in his neighborhood. His owners decided their energetic dog might benefit the war effort rather than stirring up trouble.

In 1942, Chips was moved to Front Royal, Virginia to begin his military training. He thrived in his new environment, thanks to his herding and protective nature. Private John P. Rowell became his handler and best friend.

Chips bravely fought alongside Rowell throughout the war across North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, Rome, Southern France, and Germany. With every battle, his fame grew.

He distinguished himself during the invasion of Sicily. During heavy fighting, he wrenched loose from his handler and attacked a machine gun nest armed with Italian soldiers.

His attack successfully silenced the gun. As Allied soldiers approached, they saw the Italian soldiers fleeing while Chips clung to one of them by the throat.

Later in the battle, he sustained scalp wounds and powder burns. Despite all his travels, he did survive the war.

So heroic were his actions that he was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and the Distinguished Service Cross. Sadly, his awards were revoked because officials in Washington DC protested. His grateful unit, however, awarded him a Theater Ribbon and eight Battle Stars.

Perhaps his most infamous act was biting General Dwight Eisenhower. I think he can be forgiven, however, considering everything Chips had suffered. After all, he was trained to attack an approach from strangers.

After serving with valor, he returned home to his family in Pleasantville at the end of the war. Sadly, he lived only about year, passing away of kidney failure.

Chips was posthumously awarded the Dickin Medal by the British organization the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals in 2018.

The 1990 Disney movie, Chips The War Dog, is an inspirational story of his bravery.

What say you? Do you think he should have been allowed to keep his medals? I certainly do. 

Research Credits:

Wikipedia
Denver Post
Military dot org

Military Working Dog Heritage Museum

Photo Credits:

The National Archives

Wikipedia

About Candace West:

Candace West was born in the Mississippi delta to a young minister and his wife. She grew up in small-town Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. At twelve years old, she wrote her first story, “Following Prairie River.” In 2018, she published her debut novel Lane Steen. By weaving entertaining, hope-filled stories, Candace shares the Gospel and encourages her readers. She currently lives in Arkansas with her husband and their son along with two dogs and three bossy cats.

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