Smoky, WWII's 4 lb Yorkshire Terrier found in a New Guinea foxhole, flew combat missions, performed as a war hero, and provided comfort, healing and support to injured servicemen and hospital care providers. Smoky was voted "Mascot of the Southwest Pacific" by YANK Down Under magazine in July, 1944. After journeying home with companion-trainer Cpl. Bill Wynne of Cleveland, Ohio, she continued her service and support visits to military hospitals. Later, she provided live and televised entertainment with Bill for children, adults and families. Seventy-five years after WWII, Smoky and Bill's story continues to brighten peoples lives, encouraging the absolute best from all of us. Yorkie Doodle Dandy, written by U.S. Army Air Force veteran and reconnaissance photographer William A. Wynne, is a truly delightful and heartfelt read that delivers a message of hope, healing and peace.
Author William A. Wynne is nationally-recognized for his award-winning black and white photography. While specializing in horticulture during high school, he took an elective course in photography which was to change his life forever. In 1944, the 26th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron of the U.S. Army Air Force placed Wynne directly into the Pacific Theater of World War II, where he would soon become Smoky's best friend.
Post-war, Wynne trained dogs for Hollywood films, then joined NACA/NASA's Flight Icing Research Team at Lewis Laboratories (now Glenn Research Center) in Cleveland, Ohio. He invented a specialized camera for the Aircraft Crash Fire Test Program that prevented a jet engine test tunnel from detonating. Wynne later worked for The Cleveland Plain Dealer where he won numerous national awards, including the George Washington Honor Medal and The Brotherhood Award. He delivered over 500 full-page photo-essays, many receiving national acclaim, and received other awards for lifetime achievement as a journalist, author, inventor, and decorated WWII Veteran.
Bill Wynne married high school sweetheart Margaret ("Margie") Roberts in 1946 and raised nine wonderful children in a happy marriage. At 98 years of age, he continues an active life, while honoring Smoky's contributions to people, humanity and service to others.
