"Jack is really a second Rin-Tin-Tin. Boy, is he really coming swell! However I think that the officers here have too big ideas for Jack and me to carry out. We'll surely do our best though." - Pfc. Gordon J. Wortman, Jack's handler, 1943
Devil Dog Canines:
A Line of Communication in WW2
Jack
This Belgian Shepherd and his handler, Gordon Wortman, were assigned to guard the roadblock at Piva Trail. Due to lack of wire communication, the unit was attacked by the Japanese. Wortman, Jack, and many others were gravely injured.
Jack and Homer Finley, 1943, National Archives
The unit needed reinforcements. Wortman quickly wrote a request and gave it to his wounded dog. Regardless of the excruciating pain he was in, Jack shakily stood up and boldy ran off to deliver his master's message.
Jack and Pfc. Gordon Wortman, 1943,
War Animals: The Unsung Heroes of World War II
by Robin Hutton
"As he reached me, he dropped at my feet, blood gushing from a wound on his back..."
- Pfc. Paul Castracane, Jack's handler
Miraculously, Jack successfully traveled back to the battalion post where he found Castracane. Upon giving his handler the message, he collapsed but his valiant effort had resulted in the enemy retreating. Many of the Marines' lives were saved that day. Jack was later nominated for a Silver Star medal but did not win the award. However, he was given the rank of a sergeant, a rank higher than his handlers. As quoted by Wortman, "How can I give orders to a dog when he has a higher rating than me?"
Jack and Sgt. Raymond Barnowsky,
1943, National Archives
He successfully survived through the Bougainville Campaign and his service continued on to Okinawa.
On December 6th, 1945, he was brought back to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina to be transitioned back to normal life. Later, he was reunited with his family.
"...Golly, a fellow doesn't realize how much he can miss a dog!" - Pfc. Gordon Wortman writing back to his family, 1944