Why Animals?
Chips, the most famous American war dog
There are a lot of ideas that come to mind when a person thinks of World War II. These probably include the Holocaust, atomic bombs, Nazis, and the thousands of soldiers. But how many people actually think of the animals that fought alongside the soldiers? Since the beginning of time, men have brought animals into battle with them. They have served as guards, attack animals, means of transport, means of communication, and mascots. Animals’ heightened senses and superior strength and speed made them an essential part of any army. They provided, above all, an advantage to the army that used them. Thousands, if not more, soldiers and even civilians owe their lives to the courage and service of military animals.
As we look back on recent wars, we tend to think of the technology that improved an army’s ability to kill and win. World War II was indeed mostly mechanized, but it had its fair share of military animals. By studying these animals, we are honoring their sacrifice and we are understanding their importance and role in the outcome of World War II. Even today, the US military employees dogs, Navy dolphins, Special Operation horses, Marine Corps mules, and even peacocks as security alarms. Without these animals, the outcome of the war would have been very different. Military animals are a part of the world's history.