The Only Bear to Fight in World War II, Awarded the Rank of Corporal

Astonishing the German Army

This brown bear fought in World War II, carrying a 100-pound supply box with a cigarette in its mouth, leaving the German soldiers in awe.

This isn’t a scene from an animation; it actually happened in real life.

This is “Soldier Bear” Wojtek, the world’s only bear to have participated in World War II. Wojtek smoked, drank alcohol, carried artillery shells, and was even awarded the rank of corporal.

For those who don’t know, they might think it’s a person dressed in a bear costume.

So, how did a bear end up fighting in World War II? And what was its fate?

Growing Up in the Army

In 1942, as a remnant Polish army prepared to head to the front lines, they encountered a weary young boy carrying a burlap sack, begging the soldiers for some food.

Feeling pity for the boy, the soldiers gave him a can of meat. As the boy devoured the food, a furry bear cub’s head suddenly poked out of the sack, curiously looking around.