“Wojtek” (pronounced Voy-tek) was a Syrian brown bear that fought along side the Polish II Corps during World War II.

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Wojtek would support the troops by helping move crates of ammunition in battles such as the Battle of Monte Cassino. MOST IMPORTANTLY, this soldier bear played a central role in maintaining morale and humanity amongst the soldiers during this dark time.

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Wojtek was a symbol of sanity, friendship, and comfort in the middle of a terrible historical moment. The Polish soldiers would drink coffee with Wojtek (who literally drank from a mug), wrestle and lay with him, or simply speak to the bear about their worries.

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The Polish II Corps loved Wojtek, and the battle bear was deeply apart of the troops. Soldiers would drink beer with the bear and feed him tobacco, which on occasion the bear would even smoke! Wojtek ate meals off plates with the soldiers and once allegedly “stole” an entire clothesline of ladies’ underwear belonging to female personnel stationed in the area.

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Herein, we discuss the historical events leading up to the adoption of Wojtek and his involvement in WWII, the context of the politics and wars at the time, and Wojtek’s heart0warming characteristics that left a legacy forever from this difficult period.

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What say you?

#WWII #bear #war