Quickle, who served in the Air Force in the seventies, didnt have to look far to find that affection. Stories of heroism are common, as are Web sites dedicated to the history and memories of combat dogs and their handlers. Dogs have been used in the worlds armies for thousands of years as sentries and attack dogs, but the U.S. Army had been comparatively slow in forming official dog units. The nations first recognized military dog hero was a bull terrier named Stubby. He served during World War I in the 102nd Infantry, which smuggled him overseas. Stubbys performance in World War I was the stuff of legends. He warned of pending gas attacks, stopped a German infiltrator, found wounded soldiers on the battlefield and was wounded in action. He became the most decorated dog in war, winning a gold medal and honorary rank of sergeant from General Pershing. That was just from the American side. The French awarded him a Victory medal, and French women knitted him a blanket, upon which more medals would be pinned. After the war, presidents Wilson, Harding and Coolidge all had audiences with Stubby.

Website: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/faithful-service-a-salute-to-the-dogs-of-war/page1.aspx