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War Hero: The Unlikely Story of A Stray Dog, An American Soldier and the Battle of Their Lives
The dramatic and heartfelt story of the Great War's most unlikely hero – a Parisian stray dog named Rags.On a July evening in 1918, four brutal years into World War I, a young American soldier, private James Donovan, stumbled on a pile of rags while lost on the pitch-black the streets of Paris. Unbeknownst to Donovan, the little terrier he found hiding under the bundle that night would go on to save the lives of countless American soldiers on the battlefields of France and change the way wars are fought. In "War Hero," acclaimed historian Stephan Talty (author of A Captain's Duty) tells an unforgettable tale of friendship, loyalty and survival set against the carnage of the Great War.Rags’ exploits made him famous back in America, where he became one of the inspirations for the modern “war dog.” He led parades down Broadway, accepted a handful of medals and became more popular than some 5-star generals. But it’s a private story that's at the heart of "War Hero": the unbreakable bond formed between a homesick soldier and a Parisian mutt who had no place in the world until he found one in the trenches of the Meuse-Argonne.Stephan Talty is the author of two previous bestselling Singles, The Secret Agent and Operation Cowboy. His writing has been published in the New York Times, GQ, the Irish Times and Men's Journal. His most recent book is Under the Same From Starvation in North Korea to Salvation in America.Cover design by Adil Dara.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2015
440 people are currently reading
1313 people want to read
About the author
Stephan Talty
36 books304 followersStephan Talty is the New York Times bestselling author of six acclaimed books of narrative nonfiction, as well as the Abbie Kearney crime novels. Originally from Buffalo, he now lives outside New York City.
Talty began as a widely-published journalist who has contributed to the New York Times Magazine, GQ, Men’s Journal, Time Out New York, Details, and many other publications. He is the author of the forthcoming thriller Hangman (the sequel to Black Irish), as well as Agent Garbo: The Brilliant, Eccentric Double Agent who Tricked Hitler and Saved D-Day (2012) and Empire of Blue Water: Captain Morgan's Great Pirate Army, the Epic Battle for the Americas, and the Catastrophe that Ended the Outlaws Bloody Reign (2008).
His short e-book, The Secret Agent: In Search of America's Greatest World War II Spy was the best-selling Amazon Single of 2013.
Talty began as a widely-published journalist who has contributed to the New York Times Magazine, GQ, Men’s Journal, Time Out New York, Details, and many other publications. He is the author of the forthcoming thriller Hangman (the sequel to Black Irish), as well as Agent Garbo: The Brilliant, Eccentric Double Agent who Tricked Hitler and Saved D-Day (2012) and Empire of Blue Water: Captain Morgan's Great Pirate Army, the Epic Battle for the Americas, and the Catastrophe that Ended the Outlaws Bloody Reign (2008).
His short e-book, The Secret Agent: In Search of America's Greatest World War II Spy was the best-selling Amazon Single of 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 12, 2018
Short (68 pages) story about a dog who was found on the streets of Paris during WWI by a soldier and taken with him back to the battlefield. Interesting how dogs were used before the time of easy communication and how the dog had almost human qualities when it came to his relationship with his master.
August 2, 2017
Feels hastily written with many grammatical errors. Wonderful story though about a faithful dog during a terrible war.
October 30, 2015
Princess Fuzzypants here:
I am a very liberal kitty who has friends of all species so I have no prejudice when reading books about dogs at any time. And Rags, the hero of this book, is a dog whom we should all admire.
A stray plucked off a Paris street by a Donovan, an American soldier in WWI, the two became fast and lifelong friends. They served together taking messages through the lines, saving lives and risking theirs. Despite no formal training, Rags proved to be more than capable.
Sadly the two were injured by bullets and gas late in the war. It took a lot of rule bending and compassion but they were not separated even when Donovan was shipped home. Military brass and medical staff alike all adopted Rags and admired his grit, courage and loyalty.
When Donovan succumbed to his wounds, another military family adopted him. But they knew Rags really belonged to everybody. When a book was written about him in the mid 1920's, his fame grew beyond the confines of the military. As in all things, he bore the responsibility with grace and class.
It was no surprise that he was honoured both at his death and beyond. This book is a testimonial to one dog who won the hearts of the First Division and the world. He deserves to be remembered by this loving a detailed telling of his story.
Five purrs and two paws up.
I am a very liberal kitty who has friends of all species so I have no prejudice when reading books about dogs at any time. And Rags, the hero of this book, is a dog whom we should all admire.
A stray plucked off a Paris street by a Donovan, an American soldier in WWI, the two became fast and lifelong friends. They served together taking messages through the lines, saving lives and risking theirs. Despite no formal training, Rags proved to be more than capable.
Sadly the two were injured by bullets and gas late in the war. It took a lot of rule bending and compassion but they were not separated even when Donovan was shipped home. Military brass and medical staff alike all adopted Rags and admired his grit, courage and loyalty.
When Donovan succumbed to his wounds, another military family adopted him. But they knew Rags really belonged to everybody. When a book was written about him in the mid 1920's, his fame grew beyond the confines of the military. As in all things, he bore the responsibility with grace and class.
It was no surprise that he was honoured both at his death and beyond. This book is a testimonial to one dog who won the hearts of the First Division and the world. He deserves to be remembered by this loving a detailed telling of his story.
Five purrs and two paws up.
June 3, 2015
A moving confirmation of the intelligence, devotion, and courage of man's best friend
A true example of the power of the bond between humans and their four legged soul mates. Wonderfully written historical read.
A true example of the power of the bond between humans and their four legged soul mates. Wonderfully written historical read.
June 6, 2015
An Inspiring Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this story which peaked my imagination and total respect for the two main characters, Donovan and Rags. Historical with human interest for sure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story which peaked my imagination and total respect for the two main characters, Donovan and Rags. Historical with human interest for sure.
August 20, 2015
Amazing story about a man and dog doing the impossible under barbaric conditions.
direct fire from the enemy. .Had to finish reading before I went to sleep. A dog is man's best friend.
direct fire from the enemy. .Had to finish reading before I went to sleep. A dog is man's best friend.
April 21, 2017
A great story of a tatty terrier dog on the battle lines in ww1 interspersed with information of all dogs working for the military and their tremendous part. Ergo all war dogs, service dogs and animals everywhere. Truly mans greatest friend.
May 7, 2017
Interesting WWI story of a stray dog found by an American Soldier, James Donovan, who forged a loyal friendship during war and went on to become heroes of the Battle of Meuse-Argonne by giving the dog messages to run coordinates and information back to the lines.
June 4, 2015
A very sweet book. Quick read - just 68 pages long. Highly recommended.
June 8, 2015
Rags, a wonder dog
A great story. A wonderful example of the bonds that can be made between men and animals. Thanks for this great story.
A great story. A wonderful example of the bonds that can be made between men and animals. Thanks for this great story.
June 23, 2015
A plus; highly recommended.
One of those stories that deserves to be read. Soldiers, an unusual dog, and unquestioned devotion...I loved it, and you will too.
One of those stories that deserves to be read. Soldiers, an unusual dog, and unquestioned devotion...I loved it, and you will too.
July 4, 2015
Short, but a great story.
March 3, 2016
You like dogs & like to read about WWI?
You like dogs & want to know what life was like for American Doughboy's of WWI then this is a very moving story!
You like dogs & want to know what life was like for American Doughboy's of WWI then this is a very moving story!
March 20, 2017
Quick
Fast read. Written without wasting words. I never realized how horribly wow soldiers were treated once home. To this day they seem to be invisible to so many
Fast read. Written without wasting words. I never realized how horribly wow soldiers were treated once home. To this day they seem to be invisible to so many
September 30, 2015
A very short book but one of the finest ones I have read. Gove it a try if you love dogs and are interested in its role in World War I.
March 3, 2016
Tail of loyalty and bravery.
I love the truth being told of simple friendship and loyalty. How the bravery and actions affect so many and saved countless from sure death.
I love the truth being told of simple friendship and loyalty. How the bravery and actions affect so many and saved countless from sure death.
May 25, 2016
As a dog lover and long time pack member, I enjoyed reading this story of a smart, loyal and intelligent dog.
Highly recommended to pack members.
Highly recommended to pack members.
April 15, 2018
Nice short (68 pg) book; a true story of Rags, a stray terrier who served an important role in WWI.
Rags began his mission when soldier "Donovan" found him and adopted him. Donovan worked in the signal corps and soon Rags did as well, running messages to and from soldiers. "Wherever he went, a legend spread: Watch the mutt and live."
It's sweet imagining Rags: "Rags would sit on his hind legs and bring his paw over his right eye" in a salute.
It was interesting to read that dogs have been instrumental in several wars. "As early as 1895, the British Army had recognized that dogs could be useful in war, and a training center was established in the rural county of Essex. A call for canine volunteers went out. 'I've given my husband and my sons,' wrote one woman, 'and now that he too is required, I give my dog.' Various breeds were brought in and tested. Another terrier, the Airedale, was found to be the ideal candidate." A man I go to church with told me he had served in the army during the Korean War, working with German shepherds who acted as scout dogs.
The story was a bit more battle- and technical-heavy than I like, and there were some typos. Sweet story overall, though.
Rags began his mission when soldier "Donovan" found him and adopted him. Donovan worked in the signal corps and soon Rags did as well, running messages to and from soldiers. "Wherever he went, a legend spread: Watch the mutt and live."
It's sweet imagining Rags: "Rags would sit on his hind legs and bring his paw over his right eye" in a salute.
It was interesting to read that dogs have been instrumental in several wars. "As early as 1895, the British Army had recognized that dogs could be useful in war, and a training center was established in the rural county of Essex. A call for canine volunteers went out. 'I've given my husband and my sons,' wrote one woman, 'and now that he too is required, I give my dog.' Various breeds were brought in and tested. Another terrier, the Airedale, was found to be the ideal candidate." A man I go to church with told me he had served in the army during the Korean War, working with German shepherds who acted as scout dogs.
The story was a bit more battle- and technical-heavy than I like, and there were some typos. Sweet story overall, though.
March 1, 2021
I enjoyed the book immensely. It brought home to me the horrors of that war, and the incredible selflessness and sacrifice of the young American men that participated so far from home. They came home as well to an America that apparently had no appreciation or real understanding of what they went through. I lived through the too many years of the Viet Nam war as a young boy till teenage soldier's son, whose father endured the Second World War as well as Nam. American men of all ages endured those wars, though Viet Nam was also a war where few appreciated the sacrifice of our soldiers. The dog and his master in this story were central partners and true war buddies. The story showed the amazing loyalty, intelligence, bravery and sacrifice that only a person's dog can show. The author managed very well to bring the inherent humanity of a dog to light, that any dog owner understands and knows is true. It was a poignant story as true as can be, and was obviously shown as well-researched. This book is something I will never forget, and very emotionally well-received from this reader. Thank-you Mr. Talty.
May 26, 2018
Devoted friend and war hero
A fast paced account of a terrier turned soldier. Rags (so named because he was found among dirty rags on the streets of Paris) stayed close to his friend and rescuer Donovan throughout the First World War battles in France.
Donovan’s job was to repair the communications cables that were continuously being damaged by shelling and artillery fire. Rags learned to take messages to units, to sniff out damaged cables, and to lift the spirits of those around him.
After the war, the men of the 1st Division saw to it that he could return home with Donovan and receive the recognition that many of the physically and mentally wounded were never given. He became a symbol of the courage and endurance of those who fought in the Great War.
This was a riveting and heartwarming story of a brave man and his faithful companion. It was also the story of the strength and resilience of the American soldier. Loved this book!
A fast paced account of a terrier turned soldier. Rags (so named because he was found among dirty rags on the streets of Paris) stayed close to his friend and rescuer Donovan throughout the First World War battles in France.
Donovan’s job was to repair the communications cables that were continuously being damaged by shelling and artillery fire. Rags learned to take messages to units, to sniff out damaged cables, and to lift the spirits of those around him.
After the war, the men of the 1st Division saw to it that he could return home with Donovan and receive the recognition that many of the physically and mentally wounded were never given. He became a symbol of the courage and endurance of those who fought in the Great War.
This was a riveting and heartwarming story of a brave man and his faithful companion. It was also the story of the strength and resilience of the American soldier. Loved this book!
June 8, 2018
I would say that I know less about WWI than any of the other world's the US has participated in. This book, because I love dogs so much and trust their instincts more than my own, caught my interest immediately. While not detail heavy (although I did have to look up a few terms on my trusty Kindle dictionary), I learned a bit of history AND a lot about communications during the Great War. And about the dogs that helped win battles and hearts.
They almost always die in the end, so prepare yourself, but there is less focus on Rags' death than on his life - and this is a great thing.
I do believe this book was hastily thrown together from bits and pieces of other books (hence four, not five stars), but the story still kept my interest. Short and sweet and I'm glad I read it.
They almost always die in the end, so prepare yourself, but there is less focus on Rags' death than on his life - and this is a great thing.
I do believe this book was hastily thrown together from bits and pieces of other books (hence four, not five stars), but the story still kept my interest. Short and sweet and I'm glad I read it.
May 17, 2018
The unsung heroes...
I loved Rag's story, even though, somehow, I had never heard of him before! I cried for the mini dachshund, and for the battle still facing so many of today's military war dogs. Those fighting for them to come home still often face uphill battles, and even more so for the mascots that help our soldiers retain that part of themselves despite what they have seen and are expected to do, only to have to battle again when they get home and are overlooked.
I loved Rag's story, even though, somehow, I had never heard of him before! I cried for the mini dachshund, and for the battle still facing so many of today's military war dogs. Those fighting for them to come home still often face uphill battles, and even more so for the mascots that help our soldiers retain that part of themselves despite what they have seen and are expected to do, only to have to battle again when they get home and are overlooked.
April 25, 2018
A great story, wonderfully told, about a very special war hero. Stephan Talty has a great way of describing the exploits of this loyal dog that you can see him wriggling, running around, and loving the soldiers he served with. I highly recommend you read this enlightening story.
While you read about the antics of Rags, you also learn details of WWI, the Great War, which was so horrific. In damaging the lives of friend and foe. A history totally forgotten in our schools.
While you read about the antics of Rags, you also learn details of WWI, the Great War, which was so horrific. In damaging the lives of friend and foe. A history totally forgotten in our schools.
March 21, 2018
Great story
It was a great true story of a terrier and his soldier companion during WWI. I really liked the way the author made me feel like I was there watching from above. I learned so much what the Army Signalman is all about. It's about how a dog and his handler get through the everyday war life in France. A great read.
It was a great true story of a terrier and his soldier companion during WWI. I really liked the way the author made me feel like I was there watching from above. I learned so much what the Army Signalman is all about. It's about how a dog and his handler get through the everyday war life in France. A great read.
May 2, 2018
Fur the love
The loyalty of our four - legged fur friends is absolute. Their intelligence and love are also strong, and they are rarely seen as "just" animals to most people who encounter them. Rags gave many men comfort, saved dozens of lives, and loved his human friend more than anything. Reading this brought tears to my eyes more than once.
The loyalty of our four - legged fur friends is absolute. Their intelligence and love are also strong, and they are rarely seen as "just" animals to most people who encounter them. Rags gave many men comfort, saved dozens of lives, and loved his human friend more than anything. Reading this brought tears to my eyes more than once.
June 18, 2018
A great story of the bond between a soldier fighting during WWI and the dog that adopted him on the back streets of Paris. Soon they would be on the front, he repairing broken communications lines, and Rags, the dog, assisting, warning of incoming barrages, and carrying needed messages to the rear, in addition to winning the affection of all in "The Big Red One", (U.S. 1st Infantry Division).
June 24, 2018
WW 1 war hero. A dog
Almost unbelievable what the dog accomplished during the battles. Story did not detail any training for handler or dog. Epilogue states most of story was taken from older books, archives, new stories, etc... so it’s a true story but still felt like it was missing parts. Also a quick read. About 100 pages
Almost unbelievable what the dog accomplished during the battles. Story did not detail any training for handler or dog. Epilogue states most of story was taken from older books, archives, new stories, etc... so it’s a true story but still felt like it was missing parts. Also a quick read. About 100 pages
August 21, 2017
Heart warming, full of love, interesting and thought provoking! How much we are made better by loving a dog! It could also be an argument for having more comfort service dogs at veterans hospitals for instance!
September 19, 2017
Pretty good.
The story is kind of sad because everyone ends up dying, but that's just how memoirs go. It had some interesting topics and I feel like a better person for reading this. So it was a success.
The story is kind of sad because everyone ends up dying, but that's just how memoirs go. It had some interesting topics and I feel like a better person for reading this. So it was a success.
January 11, 2018
Great WW1 Book
An enjoy tale combining war and a dog’s story. I found this book to be a page turner and couldn’t wait to get back to it every time I set it down. The story followed easily and I really enjoyed it.
An enjoy tale combining war and a dog’s story. I found this book to be a page turner and couldn’t wait to get back to it every time I set it down. The story followed easily and I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews