U.S. Army Dog Chips Honored for Heroic Actions During World War II
Chips, a German shepherd, Siberian husky, and collie mix, became a celebrated military dog during World War II. Originally a family pet, Chips was donated to the Dogs for Defense program and trained for sentry duty. He was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division’s 3rd Military Police Platoon. On July 10, 1943, during Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, Chips displayed extraordinary bravery by charging into an enemy machine-gun nest, leading to the surrender of four Italian soldiers. Despite sustaining injuries, Chips continued to serve, alerting his unit to an impending enemy raid. For his actions, Chips was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, and Silver Star, although these were later rescinded due to military policy against awarding non-human service members. Instead, he received a theater ribbon with an arrowhead and eight Battle Stars. 
