Sergeant Stubby, A Different Kind of NCO
Abstract
Sergeant Stubby was different from most American Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), but as an NCO his contributions during World War I made an everlasting impact upon the NCO Corps and the United States Army. He had an exciting and colorful history in the American Army and one could easily see how different he was just by looking at him. He had four paws and a tail, Sergeant Stubby was a dog! Sergeant Stubby is America's most decorated war dog. Stubby was an orphaned puppy found in 1917 by PVT J. Robert Conroy. Conroy found him at the training camp of the 102nd Infantry Battalion, 26th "Yankee" Division, of the Connecticut National Guard, at the Yale University, football field (History and Adventure Stubby the Military Dog). PVT Conroy's lifelong relationship with Stubby started that day in 1917. Sergeant Stubby received his name because he was short and, well, "Stubby". He was an American Pit Bull and Bull Terrier-mix (Meet Sergeant Stubby, The Single Most Decorated Dog in American History). The characteristics of this mix are fiery temper, unmatched loyalty and a short stubby body. Stubby trained with the soldiers of the 102nd Infantry, who were preparing for war, at Yale University for several months prior to their overseas departure. Training with the 102nd Infantry, Stubby learned how to salute with pride. Numerous reports and eyewitness accounts document Stubby's ability to salute while sitting down. When Private Conroy saluted, Stubby would raise a paw in a proud salute also. Drill and ceremonies were not the only skills Stubby learned; he also learned customs and courtesies as well. Stubby learned several bugle calls, and he would go to certain locations in the camp depending upon which bugles calls were playing, knowing that PVT Conroy would be there also. During his tenure at the training grounds of the 102nd Infantry, Stubby learned his most valuable skill, the skill of building morale with his antics and his loyalty to his fellow soldiers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 03, 2006
- Accession Number
- AD1111591
Entities
People
- Christopher Pomato
Organizations
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy