The incredible true stories of animal war heroes
Animals have stood beside soldiers in war zones as companions and decorated heroes. The PDSA Dickin Medal—regarded as the animal’s Victoria Cross—honors their remarkable service. Dogs, pigeons, horses, and even a cat have earned this rare recognition, reminding us that courage wears many faces.
Gander—Dog
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During World War II’s Battle of Hong Kong, Gander, the Newfoundland dog, hurled himself into legend by snatching up a live grenade and running off with it, sacrificing his life to save Canadian soldiers. He was posthumously awarded the Dickin Medal and is remembered for sheer courage.
Salty and Roselle—Dog
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These two Labrador guide dogs calmly led their blind owners, trapped in the World Trade Center on 9/11, down dozens of floors to safety before the towers collapsed. Roselle later snagged American Hero Dog of the Year, while Salty refused to leave his human’s side, despite chaos all around.
Kuno—Dog
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Kuno, a Belgian Malinois serving in Afghanistan, was shot in both legs while taking down an enemy gunman. The action ended a standoff and saved soldiers’ lives. He later lost a paw and became the first UK military dog to be fitted with custom prosthetics. For his actions, he received the Dickin Medal.
Sergeant Stubby—Dog
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Sergeant Stubby was a stray found on a college campus and taken to the front during World War I. He served in 17 battles, alerted troops to gas attacks, located wounded soldiers, and reportedly captured a German spy. He later met U.S. presidents and lived out his life as a celebrated veteran.
Chips—Dog
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This shepherd-collie mix charged straight into a machine gun nest in Sicily during World War II, taking down enemies and forcing a surrender. He was wounded in the process. Chips was first awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart, but the Army later yanked them. His gutsy story lives on—and he remains a true legend.
Treo—Dog
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Soldiers trusted Treo so much that they waited for his signal before moving. The black Labrador sniffed out deadly bombs in Afghanistan, often leading patrols where lives hung in the balance. His incredible work detecting IEDs earned him the Dickin Medal—and a place in hearts as the four-legged lifesaver of the battlefield.
Lucca—Dog
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Lucca, a German Shepherd–Belgian Malinois mix, completed more than 400 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan without a single Marine fatality during her service. She lost a leg to an IED but was walking again within ten days. She’s credited with saving hundreds of lives and was awarded the Dickin Medal before retiring.
Smoky—Dog
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Smoky was a four-pound Yorkshire Terrier. She flew 12 combat missions, survived air raids, and once parachuted from a tree in a custom chute during World War II. She squeezed through a narrow pipe to run communication wire, saving hours of labor and keeping soldiers safe.
Sergeant Reckless—Horse
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Sergeant Reckless, a Mongolian mare in the Korean War, carried ammunition and evacuated wounded Marines under heavy fire, once making 51 solo trips in a single day. She was wounded twice, promoted to Staff Sergeant, and awarded two Purple Hearts. She lived alongside the Marines she served, sharing their food, drink, and quarters.
Vonolel the Reliable—Horse
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Nimble gray Arab, Vonolele was purchased in Bombay and named after a defeated enemy. He carried Field Marshal Lord Roberts 300 miles during the Second Afghan War. He served loyally for 22 years, traveled over 50,000 miles, and even joined Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee parade. Roberts saved his hooves in a silver bowl.
Sandy the Survivor—Horse
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Out of 136,000 Australian horses sent to World War I, only one made it home—and it was this loyal Waler. Sandy, belonging to Major General Sir William Bridges, was returned after the general’s dying request. He became a living symbol of survival in a war where nearly every other horse never saw home again.
Warrior—Horse
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Warrior, the horse ridden by Captain Jack Seely in World War I, survived artillery, gunfire, and gas attacks on the Western Front. His endurance and loyalty became the subject of books and wartime accounts. Though often called “the horse the Germans couldn’t kill,” the claim that he later received the Dickin Medal is inaccurate, as the award did not exist during his lifetime.
Simon—Cat
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He survived a shell blast on the HMS Amethyst during the 1949 Yangtze Incident, then got up and went back to hunting rats. Morale soared when this scrappy ship’s cat recovered and resumed patrol. He won the Dickin Medal, Blue Cross, and campaign honors while purring through bullet holes and battles.
Gustav—Pigeon
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On D-Day, with the Allied fleet radio silent, Royal Air Force Gustav launched from Normandy with a vital message strapped to his leg. He flew 150 miles through fierce winds and delivered the first news of the landings back to Britain. He got a medal for the feat—and probably a snack, too.
Wojtek—Bear
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He wasn’t cuddly but a supply-carrying, beer-drinking, soldier-wrestling bear adopted by Polish troops in World War II. Wojtek lugged 100-pound ammo crates during the Battle of Monte Cassino. His silhouette even made the unit’s emblem. After the war, he retired to a zoo.