Chips is one of the most famous dogs in American military history.
Among the thousands of men mobilized on the front during World War II, a dog crossbred from German Shepherd, Collie, and Malamute distinguished himself through extraordinary acts of bravery. This dog was Chips. Born into an ordinary family in Pleasantville, New York, he would become the most decorated war dog of the conflict. Here is his story.
A Peaceful Youth in Pre-War America
Before becoming a war hero, Chips led a peaceful life with the Wren family. He had been given to the family by a breeder, C.C. Moore, and quickly formed a special bond with Gail, the Wren daughter, whom he accompanied to school every day. A loyal companion, he never hesitated to intervene if he thought a child was playing a bit too roughly with her.
But in 1942, everything changed. As America entered the war, the military issued a call to citizens: the "Dogs for Defense" program invited families to offer their dogs for military service. The Wrens, convinced they were contributing to the war effort, made a difficult decision: they offered Chips to the nation.
Exceptional Military Training for a Dog
Sent to the War Dog Training Center in Front Royal, Virginia, Chips underwent rigorous training to become a sentinel dog. Upon completing his training, he was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, one of the most decorated units in all of U.S. military history. His designated handler was soldier John P. Rowell.
From 1942 to 1945, Chips participated in eight major military campaigns: North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. This war dog, with a formidable nose and unwavering courage, was involved in some of the most decisive operations of the conflict.
The Heroic Assault on the Sicilian Beach
On July 10, 1943, during the Allied landing in Sicily (Operation Husky), Chips and Rowell landed under heavy fire. A well-hidden enemy machine gun blocked their progress. Without waiting for orders, Chips broke away from his handler and charged straight at the machine gun nest.
"There was a terrible racket. Then I saw an Italian soldier coming out of the bunker with Chips by the throat. I called him back just in time so he wouldn’t kill him."
Alone, Chips neutralized the four ambushed soldiers, forcing their surrender. During the confrontation, he was wounded in the head—a gunpowder burn and a slight cut—but continued the mission.
A few hours later, while on duty with Rowell, Chips alerted his handler to the approach of ten enemy soldiers. Thanks to his intervention, these men were captured before they could attack.
A Dog Among the Greats
A few months earlier, in January 1943, Chips had already been involved in a high-level diplomatic mission. Assigned to protect the Casablanca Summit, he was part of the close guard for President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. According to a famous anecdote, Chips even bit General Dwight D. Eisenhower when he tried to pet him.
Medals... Quickly Withdrawn
For his heroic action in Sicily, Chips was decorated by General Lucian Truscott in November 1943. He received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, and the Purple Heart for wounds in service. But a few weeks later, the army annulled these awards: military regulations at the time prohibited awarding decorations to animals, no matter how valiant.
Refusing to let this act of bravery go unnoticed, the men of the 3rd Division decided to honor him in their own way: they unofficially awarded him a Theater Ribbon with Assault Arrow and eight campaign stars.
Return Home, Then Late Recognition
In December 1945, Chips was discharged and reunited with the Wren family in Pleasantville. Weakened by his injuries and the hardships of war, he passed away in 1946, barely a year after his return.
But his memory did not fade with him. In 1990, Disney adapted his story into a TV movie titled "Chips, the War Dog". It wasn’t until the 21st century that his deeds were finally honored properly.
🐾 His medal is now displayed at the 3rd Infantry Division Museum in Fort Stewart, Georgia.
🐾 In 2018, he posthumously received the PDSA Dickin Medal, the British equivalent of the Victoria Cross for animals.
🐾 In 2019, he was awarded the Animals in War & Peace Medal of Bravery, an American distinction.
🐾 In 2019, a statue was also dedicated to him in Lasdon Park in Katonah, near his hometown. It honors all war dogs.
Chips was neither a purebred nor an elite animal. He was an ordinary dog with extraordinary courage. His solitary bravery in the face of enemy weapons perfectly embodies his unit’s motto: "Not fancy, just tough" – Not elegant, just brave. Through his instinct, loyalty, and audacity, Chips saved lives and left a mark on U.S. Army history.
CHIPS
CHIPS and General EISENHOWER, 1945
CHIPS back with his family, 1945
Statue of CHIPS, Katonah (New York)