America's Most Decorated War Dog and Westchester County Mutt Remembered
One of America's most famous four-legged soldiers was remembered at a book signing on May 14 in Pleasantville, N.Y. "Chips: The War Dog" by Nancy West is based on the true-life adventures of a husky-shepherd-collie mix enlisted in the U.S. Army through Dogs for Defense.
Pleasantville, NY (PRWEB) May 24, 2005 -- America's most decorated canine hero from the Second World War and a native of Pleasantville, N.Y. was remembered on Saturday, May 14 during Pleasantville Day with a book signing. The signing took place at The Village Bookstore on Washington Avenue in Pleasantville. "Chips: The War Dog" by Nancy West is based on the true-life adventures of one of the country's most famous four-legged soldiers.
Chips, a husky-shepherd-collie mix was enlisted in the U.S. Army through Dogs for Defense, and was in the first K-9 detachment to be shipped overseas in 1942. Chips served with the Third Infantry Division of Patton's Seventh Army. During a beach landing in Sicily, Chips forced the surrender of an enemy pillbox. He was wounded in the attack but continued to fight. Later, during the same invasion, Chips alerted to ten enemy soldiers and participated in their capture. Chips' heroic feats, as well as his mischievous adventures were frequently reported in newspapers back home. Chips is the only dog in history to be awarded the Purple Heart, the Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross. All three medals were later revoked by the War Department because it was thought improper to award honors meant for humans to a dog. Chips was released from active duty in 1945 and returned to his Pleasantville family. Photographers and journalists accompanied him on his long train ride home. Chips adapted to civilian life and for a brief seven months enjoyed being a pet again. Chips was six years old when he died from complications of his war injuries.
"Chips: The War Dog" by Nancy West (Hero Dog Publications, ISBN # 0-9743659-1-2 $8.95, 180 pp. Ages 9 and up) is available at www.herodogpublications.com and at major bookstores, including on-line locations.
Ms. West is co-author with Captain Scott Shields of "Bear: Heart of a Hero" (Hero Dog Publications, ISBN # 0-9743659-0-4, $15.95, 160pp). World-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall has called this biography of a America's most celebrated search and rescue canine from 9/11: …one of the best human/animal relationship stories I know of."
Contact:
N. Mintzer
914-525-6483
herodogpubl@msn.com
www.herodogpublications.com
# # #
Bookmark -
Del.icio.us |
Digg |
Furl It |
Spurl |
RawSugar |
Simpy |
Shadows |
Blink It |
My Web
|
