For as long as humans have been fighting wars, animals have been right there by our side. And while it's mostly people who are remembered in the history books for their bravery, animals have earned their metal too.
So in honor of our animal friends who not so willingly fought along side us on the battle field, here are 15 of the most beloved, decorated, and heroic animals in the history of combat.
1
Staff Sergeant Reckless
Staff Sergeant Reckless was a horse that made trips through dangerous “no man’s lands” to bring ammunition to soldiers. She was once documented making 51 trips in one day, by herself. She also carried wounded soldiers to safety. She is the most decorated American horse in history, having earned two Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with star, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
2
Unsinkable Sam
Unsinkable Sam, a ship's cat who served on a German battleship, a British destroyer, and later on an aircraft carrier during World War II. He survived the sinking of all three ships by clinging on to floating debris, and died ashore in 1955.
3
Chips
Chips was a Sheapard Husky mix that served during the 1943 invasion of Siscily. He directly helped capture 14 Italian soldiers, and suffered a bullet wound saving his handler. He served in eight campaigns, and was awarded many military honors.
4
Warrior
Nicknamed “The horse the Germans could not kill,” Warrior was Captain Jack Seely’s ride during World War I. She survived the entire war, leading cavalry charges on the front lines throughout.
5
Bamse
Bamse was a Norwegian freedom fighter during WWII who pulled an overboard sailor back to shore, and once knocked a knife-wielding attacker into the sea.
6
Rags
Rags was a mixed breed terrier who served for the US 1st infantry division during World War I. He would deliver messages between command and the front lines, and warned soldiers of incoming artillery and mustard gas attacks. He lived to be 20-years-old.
7
Judy
Judy was a liver and white pointer who served with the British Navy in World War II. When her ship was forced to ditch on a remote island, she dug up a fresh water supply, saving the lives of the ship’s crew. She was given the Dickin Medal.
8
Nemo
Despite being shot, Nemo held off Viet Cong soldiers long enough for his handler, Airman Bob Throneburg, to call reinforcements in 1966. Nemo survived, and was given permanent retirement.
9
Sefton
Sefton the Horse survived taking an IRA bomb to the face, and was later honored with a wing in the Royal Veterinary College.
10
Crimean Tom
Crimean Tom led starving British and French troops to caches of food beneath the rubble of the Russian port town of Sevastopol during the Crimean war.
11
Treo
Treo was a black lab and Dickin Medal recipient who helped sniff out IEDs in Afghanistan.
12
Sergeant Stubby
Sergeant Stubby is widely recognized as America’s most decorated dog. In World War I, he barked to alert soldiers of surprise mustard gas and artillery attacks. He could differentiate between German and English-speaking soldiers to help find wounded men, and even caught a German spy. He survived 17 battles, received many military honors, marched in the Victory Parade, and met three Presidents.
13
Corporal Wojtek
Corporal Wojtek was the name given to a bear cub discovered by Polish soldiers during World War II. He became an official mascot of the company, was officially enlisted to help with travel logistics, and even caught a German spy. He also willingly helped pull artillery pieces.
14
Tirpitz
Tirpitz was a mascot of the HMS Glasgow during the First World War. She had originally served on the German ship SMS Dresden, but survived that ship’s sinking when the rest of its crew deserted. She was rescued by the Scottish soldiers, and awarded for her bravery. Unfortunately she was auctioned off for pork to help fund the war effort.
15
Gustav
Gustav was the RAF carrier pigeon who flew more than 150 miles in five hours to deliver the message that the D-Day landings were underway, and a success.
