From the Streets to the Trenches
Rags was a stray terrier found in Paris in 1918 by First Sergeant James Donovan of the First Division American Expeditionary Forces. After following soldiers back to their base, Rags became more than just a mascot—he became a vital part of their operations.
A Messenger Under Fire
During World War I, Rags was trained to deliver messages across dangerous battlefields. The U.S. military lacked a formal messenger service, and Rags’ speed and agility made him a reliable alternative. He also had an unusual ability to detect incoming artillery before human soldiers could hear it, warning them by dropping to the ground.
Wounded in Action
While carrying a message, Rags was injured by shrapnel, and his lungs were damaged by poisonous gas after his mask slipped off. Despite his injuries, the message was delivered. He and Donovan were evacuated to a military hospital in Chicago, where Donovan later died, but Rags survived.
A Hero’s Final Rest
Rags lived out his remaining years with a military family, passing away in 1936. He was buried with military honors at Aspin Hill Memorial Park in Maryland, where visitors still leave American flags at his grave.
Rags was a stray terrier found in Paris in 1918 by First Sergeant James Donovan of the First Division American Expeditionary Forces. After following soldiers back to their base, Rags became more than just a mascot—he became a vital part of their operations…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/FQ3vTfS5ud
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) February 28, 2025