November 4, 2009

Found in an abandoned foxhole in New Guinea in 1944 during World War II, a tiny Yorkshire Terrier would become a decorated war heroine. An American soldier, Corporal Bill Wynne, adopted Smoky after another soldier rescued her. A bond of love and trust quickly developed between the two as Smoky also stole the hearts of many other military men serving with Bill Wynne.

Soon after becoming the mascot for SWPA's 26th Recon Squadron, Smoky won "Yank Down Under" magazine's first prize in their 1944 mascot contest. Her status as mascot was soon elevated to that of War Dog and Heroine. Smoky was called upon to serve her country in a most unusual way and in a feat of sheer bravery, she rose to the challenge.

After U.S. troops captured the first airfield on Luzon, they had to establish vital communication. Telephone lines needed to be run under a 70' airstrip. To dig up the taxi runway, bury the lines, and repair the runway, fighter planes would have to be relocated. P-51 Mustangs, P-38 Lightnings, and P-761 Black Widow Night Fighters would not be able to use the landing strip during this operation, and would be exposed to enemy attack.

When an 8" diameter drainage culvert under the airstrip was located, Corporal Wynne attached a communications line to Smoky’s collar. While his buddies held Smoky at one end, Corporal Wynne called to Smoky from the other end. Hesitating at first, Smoky entered the long, dark culvert and pulled the communications line underneath the 70’ airstrip.

Smoky's special mission in the combat area of the Lingayen Gulf on Luzon resulted in teletype and phone lines being activated for the U.S. and Allied forces. The ultimate rescue dog became a decorated war heroine and also the first documented therapy dog, serving American troops in military hospitals. Smoky survived kamikaze attacks, the Luzon invasion, typhoons, a sting from a 6" jungle centipede, and many other challenges of war before coming home to the United States with Corporal Wynne.

"My Yorkie Doodle Dandy could make Americans at war forget their troubles simply by watching her chase giant butterflies...", writes Bill Wynne in "Yorkie Doodle Dandy", a memoir of Smoky. Gracie & Co. salutes Smoky, the ultimate rescue dog, by supporting the Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue. For each signed copy of "Yorkie Doodle Dandy" sold through our website, Gracie & Co. is donating $5.00 to the YTNR.

Click here to order your copy.



Click here to read more of the story and see wartime photos of Smoky.