By Dylan McDonough
Did you know that there was once a dog named Stubby who fought in World War I? I sure didn’t! Learn all about his epic tail with the animated film Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero. This movie was a funny and educational edition to my World War I studies.
Stubby the dog began as a lonely stray in Connecticut. Nobody paid attention to him. At this time, Yale University’s campus was being used as a training camp for the soldiers. One day, while the soldiers were marching through the town, Stubby followed along. One of the soldiers named Robert Conroy became the stray’s owner. Life in the training camp was difficult for Stubby. The chef and other soldiers were first annoyed at him, and his only companion was Robert. After time, Stubby began to train alongside the others, and helped his owner complete some of the obstacles. The soldiers had finally accepted Stubby as one of their own. He was even taught to raise his paw as a salute.
When it came time to leave for France, everybody was heartbroken to leave Stubby behind in Connecticut. Somehow, Stubby found his way onto the ship and surprised everyone. Stubby was now fighting alongside his companions in the trenches.
Right away, Stubby was a huge help for the soldiers. He warned them about German spies invading the trench. Stubby also unburied many soldiers from rubble that had caved in on them. One of the most famous acts of bravery was when Stubby warned an entire French town about an incoming mustard gas attack from the enemy. When WWI ended, Stubby was given the rank of Sergeant! He would become the most decorated dog in military history.
Therefore, if you are studying “The Great War”, this cartoon is a fun way to add to your studies. Sgt. Stubby will go down in history as the bravest dog in World War I!
