Remembering dogs on Memorial Day

Meet Sgt. Stubby. America's first war dog

• The only dog to ever be promoted to Sergeant

• • He was the official mascot of the 102nd Airborne Infantry Regiment

• • He served 18 months and participated in 17 battles on the Western Front.

Stubby was found wandering around Yale University in 1917 while members of the 102nd Infantry were training and one soldier, Cpl Robert Conroy formed a bond with him.

When it was time to ship out, Conroy hid him in the troop ship.

He was eventually noticed by Conroy's Commander. Stubby saluted him as he had been trained to in the camp. The commanding officer allowed him to stay.

After the war, Stubby became a celebrity, leading many parades and meeting presidents too. He also went on to become the Georgetown Hoyas mascot. He would be given the ball at halftime, nudging it around to the amusement of the fans.

Stubby died in 1926. He was preserved with his skin mounted on plaster and Conroy presented him to the Smithsonian in 1956.