Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero

Wolfguard · Apr 13, 2018

Didn't find this in any search. Anyone seen it?

The Price of Freedom: Stubby

While training for combat on the fields of Yale University in 1917, Private J. Robert Conroy found a brindle puppy with a short tail. He named him "Stubby", and soon the dog became the mascot of the 102nd Infantry, 26th Yankee Division. He learned the bugle calls, the drills, and even a modified dog salute as he put his right paw on his right eyebrow when a salute was executed by his fellow soldiers. Stubby had a positive effect on morale, and was allowed to remain in the camp, even though animals were forbidden. When the division shipped out for France aboard the SS Minnesota, Private Conroy smuggled Stubby aboard. Hidden in the coal bin until the ship was far at sea, Stubby was brought out on deck where the sailors were soon won over by the canine soldier.Stubby was once again smuggled off the ship and was soon discovered by Pvt. Conroy's commanding officer. The CO allowed Stubby to remain after Stubby gave him a salute.

When the Yankee Division headed for the front lines in France, Stubby was given special orders allowing him to accompany the Division to the front lines as their official mascot. The 102nd Infantry reached the front lines on the 5 February 1918. Stubby soon became accustomed to the loud rifles and heavy artillery fire. His first battle injury occurred from gas exposure; he was taken to a nearby field hospital and nursed back to health. The injury left him sensitive to the tiniest trace of gas. When the Division was attacked in an early morning gas launch, most of the troops were asleep. Stubby recognized the gas and ran through the trench barking and biting at the soldiers, rousing them to sound the gas alarm, saving many from injury.

Stubby also had a talent for locating wounded men between the trenches of the opposing armies; he would listen for the sound of English and then go to the location, barking until paramedics arrived or leading the lost soldiers back to the safety of the trenches. He even caught a German soldier mapping out the layout of the Allied trenches. The soldier called to Stubby, but he put his ears back and began to bark. As the German ran, Stubby bit him on the legs, causing the soldier to trip and fall. He continued to attack the man until the United States soldiers arrived. For capturing an enemy spy, Stubby was put in for a promotion to the rank of Sergeant by the commander of the 102nd Infantry. He became the first dog to be given rank in the United States Armed Forces.

Later, Stubby was injured during a grenade attack, receiving a large amount of shrapnel in his chest and leg. He was rushed to a field hospital and later transferred to a Red Cross Recovery Hospital for additional surgery. When Stubby became well enough to move around at the hospital, he visited wounded soldiers, boosting their morale. By the end of the war, Stubby had served in 17 battles. He led the American troops in a pass and review parade and later visited with President Woodrow Wilson. He visited the White House twice and met Presidents Harding and Coolidge. Stubby was awarded many medals for his heroism, including a medal from the Humane Society which was presented by General John Pershing, the Commanding General of the United States Armies. He was awarded a membership in the American Legion and the Y.M.C.A. When his master, J. Robert Conroy, began studying law at Georgetown University, Stubby became the mascot of the Georgetown Hoyas. He died in 1926.
Click to expand...

Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero | Feature Film

Galvatross · Jun 21, 2018

I literally was just looking up random YouTube videos and came across a review for this movie. I thought it was a video release, but apparently it's a wide release motion picture that bombed badly. Which may be a shame, because it looks like it might actually be a nice family film, but I never once saw an advertisement for it.

Maybe I'll check it out on video.

Wolfguard · Jun 21, 2018

I'm so into the history of the WW I and WW II eras, plus love dogs. Definitely going to pick this up once it's on home release.

Galvatross · Nov 23, 2019

I know it's been a while since anyone posted in this thread, but I caught this for the first time on television.

Fantastic in so many ways. Beautiful. Captures the hardship of war really well for a family film and without being too dark. Handles death really well. Has some endearing humans, and Stubby himself is especially endearing. I really like that he isn't this super anthropomorphized, Disney-esque character, but a loyal, helpful dog in a war who acts like a dog who wants to be with his human friends and is willing to go out of his way to help others.

It's a real shame this film didn't do well. Hopefully, it makes back some money on home media and television deals, because it's an underrated, underappreciated gem.

Deathcatg · Nov 23, 2019

Galvatross said: ↑

I know it's been a while since anyone posted in this thread, but I caught this for the first time on television.

Fantastic in so many ways. Beautiful. Captures the hardship of war really well for a family film and without being too dark. Handles death really well. Has some endearing humans, and Stubby himself is especially endearing. I really like that he isn't this super anthropomorphized, Disney-esque character, but a loyal, helpful dog in a war who acts like a dog who wants to be with his human friends and is willing to go out of his way to help others.

It's a real shame this film didn't do well. Hopefully, it makes back some money on home media and television deals, because it's an underrated, underappreciated gem.
Click to expand...

I've seen this pop up on Vudu searches from time to time. If it goes on a good sale, I may have to check it out.

Galvatross · Nov 25, 2019

Deathcatg said: ↑

I've seen this pop up on Vudu searches from time to time. If it goes on a good sale, I may have to check it out.
Click to expand...

I definitely enjoyed it. It's a simple, enjoyable little animated film.

I also liked that it didn't feature any sing along songs like in many Disney films, nor did it have any annoying pop songs.

Deathcatg · Jan 7, 2020

Keeping my word, I saw the film on Vudu's Deal of the Weak list for 6.99, so I bought it. Not going to watch it right away, especially when I just bought "Joker" on physical media today, but soon. Thanks for the recommendation, probably wouldn't have considered it without this thread.

griffn29 · Jan 16, 2020

I just saw it, it was way better than I expected.

The facts about World War One were pretty cool. I also like that Stubby didn't have to talk to be expressive.

I will probably see the movie again at some point, it was really enjoyable

Deathcatg · Jan 21, 2020

Finally took the extra time with MLK Jr Day to watch my copy. That was such a great film. I think it takes the World War I background seriously enough where it could be shown to a Jr High or High School History class for a day or two. Thanks again for the recommendation.

Log in or Sign up

Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero

Wolfguard Your own personal Jesus.

Galvatross Dom Dom, Yes Yes Veteran

Wolfguard Your own personal Jesus.

Galvatross Dom Dom, Yes Yes Veteran

Deathcatg Well-Known Member

Galvatross Dom Dom, Yes Yes Veteran

Deathcatg Well-Known Member

griffn29 Well-Known Member

Deathcatg Well-Known Member

Log in or Sign up

Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero

Wolfguard Your own personal Jesus.

Galvatross Dom Dom, Yes Yes Veteran

Wolfguard Your own personal Jesus.

Galvatross Dom Dom, Yes Yes Veteran

Deathcatg Well-Known Member

Galvatross Dom Dom, Yes Yes Veteran

Deathcatg Well-Known Member

griffn29 Well-Known Member

Deathcatg Well-Known Member

Useful Searches