Tommy Tucker, the Dress-Wearing Squirrel

A Squirrel in a Dress and Other Small Stories of Wartime Hope

December 23, 2025 - By admin

Would you believe that during World War II, animals offered comfort and support—not only to those fighting overseas, but also to families waiting anxiously at home?

Some did so in the most unexpected ways. One was a dress-wearing squirrel who helped sell war bonds. Yes, a dress-wearing squirrel named Tommy Tucker—you read that correctly.

Tommy was not alone. There was Smoky, a tiny hero dog; Wojtek, a soldier bear; and even Myrtle the Parachicken, a chicken who made parachute jumps.

Each, in their own way, brought hope and comfort to children and adults alike during a time filled with fear and uncertainty.

In May’s Long Wait, May spends much of the war living in the space between worry and hope—waiting for letters, watching the mailbox, praying for news. During World War II, people everywhere lived in that same emotional space. These mascots became small but powerful reminders that joy, laughter, and connection still mattered.

Tommy Tucker, the Dress-Wearing Squirrel

Tommy Tucker’s story began when a baby squirrel fell from a tree and was found by a schoolgirl walking in Washington, D.C. She brought him home and cared for him lovingly. When her family moved, she gave Tommy to a neighbor, Zaidee Bullis, who soon turned him into a national sensation.

Tommy became one of the most famous animals in America, arguably the most famous rodent after Mickey Mouse. He lived an unusual life, sacrificing things most squirrels loved, like climbing trees or foraging for nuts. Instead, he traveled the country by train, made public appearances, and posed for photographs.

Tommy had more than 100 outfits. Although he was male, he wore dresses because his tail made pants impractical. Children adored him. Bomber crews carried his picture. He had a fan club of over 30,000 people.

During the war, Tommy appeared at rallies and helped sell war bonds simply by being seen. In May’s Long Wait, I wrote about war stamps—small purchases that allowed families to contribute what they could. War bonds worked the same way, and Tommy helped make that sacrifice feel hopeful rather than heavy.

Smoky, the Tiny Dog Hero

Smoky, a four-pound Yorkshire Terrier, known as the hero dog

Smoky, a four-pound Yorkshire Terrier, became one of the smallest, and bravest, heroes of World War II. Found in a foxhole in New Guinea, she was eventually purchased by Corporal Bill Wynne for $6.44. From that moment on, Bill and Smoky were inseparable.

Smoky quickly learned commands and tricks and began performing for troops stationed in the Pacific. When Bill fell ill with dengue fever, Smoky accompanied him to hospitals, where she cheered wounded soldiers and medical staff alike. She became known as a remarkable morale booster and is now considered one of the earliest therapy dogs.

Together, Bill and Smoky traveled through New Guinea, Australia, the Philippines, Okinawa, and Korea. When the war ended, Bill smuggled Smoky back to the United States, where they continued to visit hospitals and perform together.

For soldiers far from home – and for families waiting anxiously for news – Smoky represented comfort, loyalty, and unconditional love.

Wojtek, the Soldier Bear

Wojtek, a Syrian brown bear and his friend

Wojtek, a Syrian brown bear, was adopted by Polish soldiers after his mother was killed by hunters. He became part of the 2nd Polish Corps in 1943 and was officially enlisted so he could travel with the unit to Europe.

Wojtek loved being around the soldiers and truly believed he was one of them. He drank watered-down beer, munched on cigarettes like snacks, and wrestled playfully with the men. More importantly, he bonded deeply with soldiers who, like him, were far from home and family.

Wojtek became a living symbol of companionship and resilience—an enormous source of comfort during exhausting and dangerous campaigns.

Myrtle the Parachicken

Could chickens fly? Lieutenant Glover of the British 1st Airborne Division decided to find out in 1944.

He acquired a small reddish-brown hen named Myrtle and took her along on a parachute jump. At first, Myrtle stayed tucked safely in her bag on Lieutenant Glover’s shoulder. On later jumps, she flapped her wings and landed safely on her own.

Myrtle went on to make six jumps and was awarded her own parachute wings, which she wore proudly. She became a lighthearted symbol of bravery and curiosity during a deadly serious time.

Note: The image above depicts any reddish-brown hen, not specifically Myrtle.

In Closing

I hadn’t known about these mascots before, but I’m glad I know their stories now.

In the middle of war, when fear, loss, and waiting filled daily life, Tommy Tucker, Smoky, Wojtek, and Myrtle offered moments of joy. They reminded people that even in dark times, small comforts mattered.

Just as May waited, hoped, and found strength in small routines and familiar comforts, these animals helped people hold on to something gentle and reassuring. Sometimes, it’s the smallest stories that help us endure the longest waits.