WWI Connecticut Guard Dog Sgt. Stubby Honored with Statue

HARTFORD, Conn. – The Connecticut State Library unveiled a new statue of the famous World War I canine Sgt. Stubby, who was adopted by a Connecticut Guardsman, was able to smell incoming gas attacks before humans and is widely considered the first U.S. Military working dog, during an April 20 ceremony at the Library.

Cpl. J. Robert Conroy of the Connecticut National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment, adopted Stubby after the Boston Terrier mutt wandered onto the unit’s training grounds at Yale Field. Stubby, who  later was smuggled to France, is also considered the most decorated U.S. military working dog.

“Sergeant Stubby probably never understood the details or purposes of World War I, the great ideals and visions of the political leaders,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. “What he understood was loyalty to his buddies, which is what motivates a lot of our human heroes.”

The timing of the statue’s unveiling was significant. Earlier this month, April 4 marked the 100th anniversary of Stubby’s death. Also, April 20 is the anniversary of the Battle of Seicheprey, the United States’ first major military conflict during The Great War, in which the less experienced 102nd pushed back a larger, more seasoned German military.

“What we’re really celebrating today is another example, especially in the year of the [United States’ 250th anniversary], of Connecticut’s contribution to our great nation,” said Maj. Gen. Francis J. Evon, adjutant general for the Connecticut National Guard, who also shouted out the 1-102nd, which is still an active unit and once again overseas fighting for our country.

But Stubby was more than just a mascot and friend of the 102nd; he was an integral part of the team. His acute olfactory senses could sense incoming gas attacks before any of the human members of the 102nd, allowing him to alert his comrades about the incoming dangers. If that wasn’t enough to prove he was a good dog, Stubby also is credited with capturing at least one German soldier during the war by biting his rear.

Stubby survived the war, despite being hospitalized after being caught in gas attacks and being injured by shrapnel from a grenade.

“Sgt. Stubby was loyal as the day is long,” Blumenthal said. “He came back after recovering from his wounds to the front lines and participated in battle after battle after battle, saving his fellow Army soldiers from the gas and the attacks that awaited them.”

Following the war, Stubby was a celebrity. He led parades, appeared at war bond rallies and met with Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge. His connection to the military never faded. Stubby reportedly visited wounded soldiers and helped family members ease into difficult conversations to understand what their loved ones experienced during the war overseas.

Curtis Deane, Conroy’s grandson, attended the unveiling and shared stories about his grandfather and his love for Stubby.

Read the entire article on the National Guard website.
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