Who We Are

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Sunday Salute - Sibes in the US Military!

This week, our Sunday Salute goes out to Sibes who have served in our nation's military! We used to help our mom write a column for the Historical and Archaeological Society of Fort Riley's newsletter. The column was called "Ask the Docents", and we answered any questions about Ft. Riley's history or military history questions. One month, we fielded the question, "Did Siberian Huskies ever serve in the United States Army?” The short answer is “yes”, and we would like to share that information with you now!

Described as a working dog with high intelligence, it was only natural for the military to put the Siberian to use. Initially, the Siberian Husky was tried as a sentry but our friendly, gentle temperament made us Sibes unsuitable as guard dogs. We look the part, but we are born people-lovers! The Army therefore decided to use the Siberian more in keeping with our heritage – as sled dogs who love people!

Historic sled dogs, waiting to GO!

In the fall of 1942, the Quartermaster Corps began a training program to provide sled dogs for search and rescue missions. The Siberian’s athletic ability, combined with our compassion for man and alert demeanor made our kind ideally suited for this work. The sled teams’ missions were to organize search and rescue groups to recover downed pilots and cargo, and to remove/pull casualties from the battlefield. The speed of these Sibes helped rescue and save those men who were injured, freezing or starving. Way to go!

During WWII’s Battle of the Bulge, hip-deep snow and higher drifts hindered ambulances and stretcher bearers from reaching fallen soldiers. Lives were being lost due to the delays and Siberians were called to duty! C-47s were dispatched to the Arctic to pick up and transport over 200 sled dogs to the battlefield; four days later, the dogs and drivers arrived in France. A remarkable record was set getting these dogs in, but despite the efforts, they were not used – the weather had cleared and the snow melted. As one musher put it, the record was for the “most sled dogs assembled at one point, and not used at all.” Can't say they didn't try!

Siberians did participate in many rescues in the Arctic, Greenland and Labrador. In Greenland, the teams were routinely sent out to bring back AWOL soldiers; the dogs were a big draw for the men and were used as somewhat of a lure. In addition to bringing out injured soldiers, Siberian Huskies also brought out top secret equipment to protect it from falling into enemy hands. Siberian Huskies were used by the US Army Combat Engineer Corps for transportation of men and equipment during the construction of the AlCan (Alaska-Canada) Highway! How cool! No pun intended. Well, perhaps it is. Ha roo roo roo!

We thought it was a great question! We are really proud of our Siberian Husky ancestors who have served! Sibes of the US military, we salute you!

The Army of Four

16 comments:

  1. WAHOO Sibes!! Great job helping to serve our country.

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  2. Love the photo! My Human's dad helped build the Alcan Highway. Maybe he got to play with Sibes!

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  3. Fantastic work and lovely history of Sibe service.

    We loved this Sunday Salute.

    So much history and so interesting.

    love and licks, Marvin xxxxxx

    ps my post today is dedicated to you all, I found an ocean for you all today and I have told it to find you all in Kansas!

    love and many licks, Marvin

    ps Jeannie said it was so cold by the ocean today, Huskys would have not felt out of place pulling a sled along the shore!

    love from Marvin xxxxx

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  4. Wow, who knew that the Sibes did such a great job for our troops.

    Holly

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  5. That is very cool information! Thanks for sharing!

    Woo woo, Kelsey Ann

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  6. wow, I never knew about this, I love learning about cool things dogs do!

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  7. That's so cool! It's great to have such nice Siberian heritage.

    Steve and Kat

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  8. Anonymous6:12 PM

    Wooooo Sibes! This is cool information. I never had any idea that sibes served in the military. Thank woo AO4 for once again educating us! Great Salute!
    Hugs,
    Sitka

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  9. Go figure! Our ancestors had their paws into alot of things didn't they? Thanks for enlightening us. It makes me proud!
    ECHO

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  10. My mom is a history buff (she says she now realizes she just knows so little of what was before--which to me is silly, I don't care--) and she wanted me to tell you this was really very interesting! How wonderful we Sibes are--top secret missions and everything! Now THAT would be cool!

    Maddox

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  11. Wooooooooooooo!

    We'll add our salute to the sibes howl along with yours!
    That is some really scool stuff, and our hu-mom had no idea about sibes in the service. Kudos to your mom for researching this!

    Wooos,
    Str & the Jack a-Roo

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  12. Hooorah! Loved this post, since we respect and appreciate our military and all they do to keep us safe and free, we were very excited learning that we were once able to serve our country with honor. Living in a Navy town, I wonder if they could put us to work on a submarine or battleship? I'm sure we could pull those planes into place on the aircraft carriers!
    Manykisses,
    Bama & the RHP

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  13. Hi Guys,
    This was an interesting and informative read. All you Sibes out there can be very proud. I wonder if the history of Beagles is as interesting.
    Licks
    Jazz and Dixie

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  14. Harrrrr AO4
    Cool Sunday Salute thanks for the history Harrrr.
    Cap'n Maverick the Pirate

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  15. We like reading about Sibe history!

    The Human Assistant says if the 10th Mountain Division was still in Colorado, he'd drive by and push me out of the car.

    But he only says that because they're not in Colorado anymore. He would miss me!

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  16. i just love all the recognition dogs are getting from this site, all the wqy from 9-11 to the most recent honors...i just think being a loveable dog is worth many honors..love sandy sadie speedy ( who is a hearing dog for my daughter on barlow bark jp and duke

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