10 Animal Heroes Recognized with Formal Awards and Honors

9. Smoky - The Tiny Dog with Giant Courage

Smoky, a four-pound Yorkshire Terrier, proved that heroism comes in all sizes during her remarkable service in World War II, where she performed feats that seemed impossible for such a small dog. Found abandoned in a New Guinea jungle in 1944 by American soldiers, Smoky was adopted by Corporal William Wynne and quickly became an invaluable member of the 5th Air Force. Despite her diminutive size, Smoky demonstrated extraordinary courage and intelligence, participating in 12 combat missions and surviving 150 air raids without injury. Her most famous achievement occurred when she helped solve a critical engineering problem at an airbase in the Philippines. When communication lines needed to be run through a narrow 70-foot-long pipe beneath an active runway, the only alternatives were to dig up the runway (which would take days and expose the base to enemy attack) or find another solution. Smoky provided that solution by pulling a telegraph wire through the pipe, a task that would have been impossible for humans or larger animals. This single act saved approximately 250 ground crew members from having to work in the open during potential air attacks and kept the airbase operational during a crucial period. Beyond her technical contributions, Smoky served as a therapy dog, visiting wounded soldiers in hospitals and boosting morale with her tricks and affectionate nature. Her wartime service earned her eight battle stars and numerous commendations. After the war, Smoky became a pioneer in animal-assisted therapy and performed in television shows, helping to establish the foundation for modern therapy dog programs. Her legacy continues through the many monuments erected in her honor and the ongoing recognition of small dogs' potential for extraordinary service.