‘Chips’ receives prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal
A US Army dog who protected the lives of his platoon during the invasion of Sicily in 1943, has been posthumously awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal* – widely known as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
Chips, a German Shepherd-Husky-cross, has been recognised for his key role during the beach landings on the Mediterranean island. He and his handler, Private Rowell, were attached to the Third Infantry Regiment of the American Seventh Army.
PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin said “Chips was a real war hero. His actions saved many lives as a US platoon came under fierce attack.”
Chips’ posthumous medal was presented by the UK’s leading veterinary charity, PDSA, on Monday 15 January: the 75th anniversary of the Casablanca Conference. The presentation took place at the Churchill War Rooms, London. US Army Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Alan Throop and Military Working Dog Ayron, received the medal on Chips’ behalf.
Also present was John Wren, who was just four years old when Chips – John’s family pet – returned from the war effort. John, now age 76, and his wife Sharon travelled from the United States to witness the presentation.
Chips’ Story
Chips started life as the beloved pet of Edward J Wren and his family. After the US joined WWII, Mr Wren donated him to the newly formed USA Dogs for Defense (DfD) in 1942. The DfD was set up to help procure and train dogs for the war effort and of the 40,000 dogs that were donated, only 10,000 made the K9 Corps.
On 10 July 1943, Chips took part in ‘Operation Husky’, during the invasion of Sicily, one of the largest combined operations of the war. As he was led ashore under cover of darkness, the soldiers were attacked on the beach by an enemy machine-gun team, hidden in a nearby hut. As the platoon dived for cover, Chips broke free. Rushing at the hut ‘with ferocious intent’, he went in despite the barrage of gunfire. Private Rowell described what happened next:
“There was an awful lot of noise and the firing stopped. Then I saw one soldier come out of the door with Chips at his throat. I called him off before he could kill the man.”
During the incident, Chips sustained a scalp wound and powder burns, and required treatment for his injuries. The hut turned out to be a machine-gun nest. It transpired that Chips had grabbed the machine-gun by the barrel and pulled it off its mount. Chips’ actions undoubtedly saved the lives of the men in his platoon.
On 9 September 1943 it was recommended that Chips be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for ‘extra heroism in action’. This was signed by Captain Edward G Parr who stated that Chips’ courageous action ‘single-handedly eliminated a dangerous machine-gun nest and caused the surrender of its crew, reflecting the highest credit on himself and the military service’.
Major General Lucian K Truscott, Jr. Commander of the Third Division, decided to waive the War Department regulation that prohibited bestowing medals on animals. On 19 November 1943, Chips was the first, and only, dog to be awarded the Silver Star.
However, Chips’ medals were later revoked, following complaints that such medals were not intended for animals.
After the war, Chips was honourably discharged and the men in his platoon unofficially awarded him a Theater Ribbon with Arrowhead – an honour reserved for airborne and amphibious assault landings – together with eight battle stars: one for each of his campaigns.
Chips returned to New York to resume life with the Wren family.
Award Reaction
Commenting on Chips’ PDSA Dickin Medal, the charity’s Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “It has taken over seven decades but Chips can now finally take his place in the history books as one of the most heroic dogs to serve with the US Army. His tenacity and devotion to duty saved lives on the day in question, running into the line of fire to thwart enemy attempts to attack his platoon.
“His heroics are thoroughly deserving of the highest recognition. It is an honour to award Chips the PDSA Dickin Medal.”
Lieutenant Colonel Alan Throop, a U.S. Africa Command Staff Officer assigned in the UK, accepted Chips’ medal on behalf of the regiment. He said: “It is a privilege and an honour to represent Chips and the US Army on this very special day. The soldiers that served during WWII faced untold hardships and the dogs that served alongside them truly helped them defeat the enemy. Chips’ story demonstrates the vital role that these animals played, and continue to play today. I am proud to play a small part in recognising his actions.”
John said: “Chips was something of a celebrity when he returned from the war but we were just pleased to have our dog back. The letters that my father received from the soldiers that Chips served with prove just what a valuable asset he was to the US Army and I am so thrilled to see his service recognised here today.”
Chips is the 70th recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal. The only other US Army animal to receive the PDSA Dickin Medal was G.I Joe – a pigeon who served with United States Army Pigeon Service and received the 40th PDSA Dickin Medal in August 1946.
Recipients include 33 dogs (including Chips), 32 World War Two messenger pigeons, four horses and one cat. For more information about the medal and its recipients, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/chips.
Chips’ PDSA Dickin Medal will be loaned to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans to be displayed.
Celebrating its centenary this year, PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity and strives to improve the wellbeing of all pets’ lives through providing preventive care, educating pet owners and treating pets when they become sick or injured. For more information visit www.pdsa.org.uk.
