Decorated World War II Dog. A shepherd-sled dog mix trained at the "K-9" Center Front Royal, Virginia in 1942, he was one of the first dogs to be shipped overseas. He served in General Patton's brutal Africa campaign, then waded ashore with Patton's 3rd Division 7th Army into Sicily. In the invasion of Sicily July 1943, he and his handler were attacked by a concealed machine gun. He streaked for gun pillbox, capturing 4 Italian soldiers saving his handler. He suffered a bullet wound, burns and a scalp wound in his attack. The same night he helped capture another 10 Italian soldiers and U.S. newspapers called him a hero. In tribute to Chips, unit leader Lieutenant Lucian Truscott, who later became a General, recommended Chips for the Silver Star and Purple Heart, citing his courageous actions and saving lives. His medals were recalled because the Army's top brass stated that medals were for men and the dogs were considered equipment. Following this refusal, it was suggested Chips be given the Quartermaster General's Certificate of Citation, but it was passed by. However, he was awarded the European Theater Medal and on the ribbon was an arrowhead with a battle star for each of the eight bitter campaigns in which Chips served. In addition he received a unit citation with a personal letter of commendation. Chips also served away from the battlefields, he added to his legend when he acted as a sentry for President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill at their historic conference in Casablanca in 1943. After the war Chips was escorted across the Atlantic and then to Virginia, where the Army had a red carpet welcome home for his discharge. He died seven months after coming home from complications of his war injuries at age 6. In 1993, Disney Studios produced the TV movie, "Chips the War Dog" and in 2000, Smithsonian Magazine proclaimed him the most notable war time canine.