Buzz
The military thrives on discipline and uniformity, making it challenging to distinguish oneself. Yet, some individuals manage to rise above the ranks and carve out legendary careers.
Occasionally, these exceptional individuals . . . aren’t human at all.
10. Lin Wang the Elephant
Lin Wang was no ordinary World War Two veteran. He served on both the Japanese and Chinese fronts during the Second Sino-Japanese War (the China-Japan conflict within WWII). Remarkably, he was an elephant.
Interestingly, Lin Wang was initially named Ah Mei, meaning “The Beautiful.” This colossal bull elephant hauled artillery for the Japanese army in Burma’s dense jungles until his unit was captured by Chinese forces in 1943. He then continued his military service under Chinese command until the war’s conclusion. Later, he was transferred to Taiwan, where he assisted in moving obstacles at a military base.
Lin Wang achieved what few war veterans do: a happy ending. Discharged by the Chinese army in 1952, he found a new life in a Taiwanese zoo. There, he was given a more fitting name, Lin Wang (“King of the Forest”), and met a female elephant who became his lifelong companion. Lin Wang became Taiwan’s most celebrated animal and the longest-living captive elephant. Upon his death in 2003 at age 86, the nation honored him with traditional funeral rites, including burning incense and paper money, as if he were human.
9. King Neptune the Pig
“Roadside attractions” are quirky museums and odd sights scattered across America’s highways. Among these unusual spots is the memorial stone of King Neptune, the only “royal” figure in the US Navy.
King Neptune‘s initial role was to be the centerpiece of a WWII fundraiser roast dinner . . . as the main course. Fortunately, Neptune was an exceptionally good-looking pig, prompting a local recruiter to take a different approach. Instead of being served, Neptune became the star attraction. He was presented to the public, who could symbolically purchase parts of him (like bristles and squeals) in a lighthearted auction for war bonds.
The photogenic pig was an immediate sensation. Demand for King Neptune’s appearances skyrocketed, and his shows grew increasingly elaborate. He adorned silver earrings and a golden crown to match his royal title. As a Hereford swine, his natural red and white colors were complemented by a blue Navy blanket, completing his patriotic appearance.
Neptune’s efforts raised an astounding US$19 million (over $250 million today) in war bonds, much of which funded the construction of the battleship USS Illinois. Celebrated as a hero, he was granted a peaceful retirement on a farm instead of facing the stockyards. Upon his death, he was honored with a military funeral.
8. Just Nuisance the Dog
Dogs on ships were quite common, especially in earlier times when livestock was carried aboard for food. A ship’s dog could help manage the animals, rescue anyone who fell overboard, and boost the crew’s morale. Even the most hardened sailor couldn’t resist a wagging tail. However, the dog was always just a pet, never an official crew member.
That is, except for Nuisance. This South African Great Dane earned his name as a puppy when his injured tail wagged so vigorously that it splattered blood everywhere. Standing over six and a half feet (two meters) tall, Nuisance became a familiar sight in Cape Town’s dockyards and naval bases. He befriended sailors, trailed them around, and even hopped on trains with them. However, as a dog, he couldn’t pay for his train rides, leading the railway company to threaten his life. Upon hearing of the beloved dog’s plight, the naval command devised a solution: since train rides were free for Royal Navy members, they enlisted him.
On 25 August 1939, Nuisance was officially enlisted as Just Nuisance, making him the first and only dog to serve in the Royal Navy. Though he never sailed, his naval career was filled with joy and purpose. He became a cherished and respected figure, performing ceremonial duties, protecting sailors on shore, and even earning a promotion.
Though he has since passed away, Just Nuisance’s legacy endures: his statue still stands guard at his home port today.
7. Sefton the Horse
If Sefton were human, the sheer weight of his medals would make him stumble constantly. He served actively in the military for seventeen years—a remarkable feat, given that horses typically live only twenty-five to thirty years. He excelled in show jumping and point-to-point races, participated in Buckingham Palace’s iconic Changing of the Guard, and was crowned the first British Horse of the Year. His legacy is immortalized with a wing named after him at the Royal Veterinary College.
That final honor might be linked to the IRA bomb he endured to the face . . . and his miraculous survival.
While en route to Buckingham Palace, Sefton’s unit was struck by a car bomb loaded with nails, razors, and other sharp objects designed to maximize carnage. Several horses and riders died instantly. Sefton, however, suffered thirty-four severe wounds, any one of which could have been fatal.
Incredibly, Sefton pulled through. Even a severed jugular vein couldn’t end his life. He endured an extremely complex surgery and eventually returned to active duty. He would often pass the very spot where he had nearly died, likely snorting in defiance at death each time.
6. William Windsor the Goat
Despite sharing a name with a prince, William “Billy” Windsor has no royal lineage. This is probably for the best, as he is a goat. However, the aptly nicknamed Billy was on friendly terms with the Queen, who even granted him a formal position.
Following the Queen’s recommendation and historical custom, Billy Windsor joined the “Royal Welsh” infantry battalion in the British Army. He held a paid, ranked position in the unit: his Army number was 25232301, and he held the rank of lance corporal. Billy was responsible for leading the unit’s parades and enjoyed special privileges, including daily rations of Guinness (“to maintain his iron levels”) and two cigarettes a day (believed to be beneficial for goats).
After serving diligently for eight years both domestically and internationally, Billy retired with full honors. His career was nearly impeccable, except for a minor incident where he was briefly demoted to fusilier, akin to a private, following an act of disorderly conduct. This occurred when he attempted to headbutt a drummer during the Queen’s birthday parade, an act that was both shocking and out of character.
5. Simon the Cat
Discovered roaming a dockyard in Hong Kong in 1949, Simon the cat was adopted by the crew of the Royal Navy sloop HMS Amethyst. His amiable nature quickly endeared him to all aboard. Even when sailors found a dead rat in their beds, a 'gift' from Simon, they couldn't help but forgive the charming feline.
Simon and HMS Amethyst faced grim fortunes as they were caught in the crossfire of the Chinese Civil War. The sloop suffered severe damage from communist forces and was stranded on the Yangtze River for three months. Simon was critically injured during the assault and his survival was uncertain. Compounding their troubles, the ship was besieged by a rampant rat infestation, threatening their supplies and survival. The situation seemed dire, with the ship and its crew facing threats from both the enemy and the vermin.
This was the moment Simon made his triumphant return. Against all odds, he survived his grave injuries, caused by mortar shells, and quickly assessed the situation. With a determined look, he sprang into action without hesitation.
Simon the cat tirelessly battled the rats for weeks on end. His miraculous recovery uplifted the crew’s spirits, enabling their escape after three arduous months. Upon the ship’s return, Simon became an instant hero. He was honored with the PDSA Dickin Medal, akin to the Victoria Cross for animals, and granted the title of 'Able Seacat.' Tragically, the relentless effort took its toll. With his crew safe, Simon no longer needed to fight. He passed away in quarantine due to a virus stemming from his injuries.
4. Sinbad the Dog
Sinbad the dog was initially meant as a gift for a sailor’s girlfriend. When she couldn’t keep him, Sinbad found a permanent home aboard the sailor’s vessel, USCGS George W. Campbell, where he became a cherished member of the crew.
The young dog swiftly adapted to life aboard the ship. He developed a taste for coffee and often joined his crewmates in drinking whiskey and beer (reflecting the norms of a different era). He was assigned duty stations during both routine operations and general quarters, the latter referring to battle readiness. When the ship prepared for action, Sinbad was expected to play his part.
Sinbad was formally recognized as a crew member, with his enlistment papers bearing his paw print. He possessed a Red Cross card, a service ID, his own bunk, and a detailed service record. Despite his fondness for whiskey, which occasionally led to demotions and disciplinary actions, he consistently regained his standing. He ultimately achieved the rank of Chief Dog, equivalent to a Chief Petty Officer, making him a non-commissioned officer.
Sinbad’s frequent visits to port bars soon caught the media’s attention, propelling him to fame. His mixed breed heritage and carefree demeanor struck a chord with a war-weary public, turning him into a national icon. He often featured in promotional materials and news articles, though his celebrity status sometimes led to mischief, including incidents with international ramifications.
Sinbad participated in numerous combat missions, particularly against submarines. While the public was unaware that he often stayed below decks during these engagements—sometimes recovering from a hangover—he was still regarded as an invaluable crew member. He earned six medals, and his presence was believed to bring good luck, making the George W. Campbell seem invincible.
As Sinbad aged, he retired with honors, spending his later years visiting bars and gazing wistfully at the ocean. To this day, a statue of Sinbad stands in the mess hall of the ship’s modern counterpart, serving as a lasting tribute to his legacy.
3. Wojtek the Bear
In 1943, a Polish artillery supply unit discovered a small brown bear cub during their operations in the Middle East. Unable to abandon the cub in the harsh Iranian wilderness, they took him in and named him Wojtek. The bear quickly bonded with the soldiers, engaging in playful wrestling matches and even mastering a convincing military salute. Demonstrating his soldierly nature, Wojtek developed a fondness for beer and cigarettes.
When the unit was assigned to support British forces in Italy, they faced a problem: pets were prohibited on transport ships. The Polish soldiers ingeniously solved this by officially enlisting Wojtek as a private. Throughout the war, Private Wojtek accompanied the unit, sleeping in a custom-built crate or sharing tents with the troops. As the unit supplied artillery munitions, Wojtek contributed by carrying crates during the Battle of Monte Cassino, never faltering in his duties.
After the war, Wojtek the Soldier Bear retired to the Edinburgh Zoo, a common sanctuary for military animals. His enduring legacy is immortalized in the emblem of the Polish 22nd Transport Company, which features a bear carrying an artillery shell.
2. Nemo A534 the German Shepherd
As a German shepherd with a name that rivals the Terminator in intensity, Nemo A534 was destined for a heroic military career. He lived up to expectations with remarkable bravery.
During the Vietnam War, sentry dogs like Nemo were invaluable. Their sharp senses allowed them to detect enemies far better than human soldiers. In the event of an attack, a determined war dog could neutralize multiple stealthy guerrillas before humans even realized the threat.
On December 4, 1966, Nemo A534 cemented his legacy as the ultimate sentry dog. While on patrol, he and his handler discovered a group of Viet Cong fighters preparing for an ambush. The ensuing skirmish resulted in two enemy casualties but left Nemo’s handler severely injured. Nemo himself was wounded, losing an eye and suffering a bullet wound to his nose. With backup delayed and the jungle teeming with hostile forces, Nemo stood guard over his incapacitated handler, showcasing unmatched loyalty and courage.
Despite his injuries, Nemo took charge by positioning himself over his handler’s body, fiercely attacking anyone who dared to approach. Though backup took time to arrive, the Viet Cong were unable to reach the handler thanks to Nemo’s relentless defense. When reinforcements finally arrived, Nemo was so entrenched in battle mode that the company veterinarian had to sedate him before they could treat his handler.
Nemo instantly became a hero and was rewarded with a permanent retirement kennel, akin to a war dog’s version of a private island in the Pacific. However, this canine legend didn’t settle into a quiet retirement. He continued serving as a recruiting dog, likely intimidating potential recruits with his one-eyed glare until they felt compelled to enlist.
1. Nils Olav the Penguin
If you visit Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, be ready to salute the king penguins, the second-largest penguin species. Among them is a penguin personally knighted by the King of Norway, who declared him 'in every way qualified to receive the honor and dignity of knighthood.'
The distinguished bird is named Nils Olav, and he holds the prestigious position of Colonel-in-Chief in the Norwegian Royal Guard. His full title, Colonel-in-Chief Sir Nils Olav, is so impressive it could rival even the highest ranks at the Pentagon.
The Norwegian Royal Guard frequently participates in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a festival showcasing military orchestras and drills. During one visit, a lieutenant became captivated by the zoo’s penguins, leading the unit to adopt one as their own.
During each visit to Edinburgh, the Royal Guard made it a point to visit their feathered comrade, Nils Olav. They promoted him with every meeting, and even the king joined in the tradition. Eventually, they realized his rank had technically surpassed nearly everyone else’s. This might explain why Nils Olav is often referred to as a mascot in Norway—after all, no one wants to grapple with the challenge of interpreting a command that sounds like 'Waark!'
