Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!

During World War I tales of sacrifice and heroism emerged from battlefield. These heroes came from all walks of life; one such hero happened to walk on all fours…

The 102nd Infantry Regiment, part of the 26th “Yankee Division” was drilling on the grounds of Yale University, when Private First Class J. Robert Conroy noticed a small brindle mutt wandering around the field, watching the Soldiers and searching for scraps of food.
Conroy developed a fondness for the dog, giving him a name that matched his unassuming personality and short, constantly-wagging tail:  Stubby.​

Sergeant Stubby (1916 or 1917 – March 16, 1926) was the official mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment, assigned to the 26th “Yankee Division” (U.S. Army).  Stubby served for 18 months and participated in 17 battles on the western front.  He saved his regiment from surprise mustard gas attacks, found and comforted the wounded, and once caught a German soldier by the seat of his pants, holding him there until American soldiers found him.  Stubby has been called the most decorated dog of World War I, and the only dog to be nominated for rank and then promoted to sergeant through combat.  He is recognized with an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution.