Smoky, a Yorkshire Terrier weighing just four pounds and standing a mere seven inches tall, became a World War II hero. Found in a foxhole in New Guinea in 1944, this small terrier was soon part of the 26th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron. Associated with Corporal Bill Wynne, she was not your average soldier; her feats included learning numerous commands.
Despite her size, Smoky was extremely intelligent and resilient. She warned Wynne of incoming dangers and survived severe conditions such as Okinawa’s typhoon and Luzon invasions. The nimble Yorkie even contributed to missions, like navigating a narrow culvert to string a communication line and keeping soldiers out of harm’s way.
Post-war, Smoky became the first canine to serve as a therapy dog, boosting morale in military hospitals. Her presence had a healing effect on injured soldiers, aiding their recovery. Eventually, in recognition of her service, Smoky received a dedicated monument at the Rocky River Reservation in Cleveland, Ohio.