As long as there have been wars, animals have joined their human companions on the battlefield. But a few have served so bravely they’ve been memorialized at the Smithsonian. In honor of these furry and feathered war heroes, we bring you the tales of dogs, cats and birds who went above and beyond the call of duty.

Guests:

Jennifer Jones, curator of military history at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

Frank Blazich, curator of military history at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

Ann Bausum, author of Stubby the War Dog and Sergeant Stubby: How a Stray Dog and His Best Friend Helped Win WWI and Stole the Heart of a Nation

Scot Christenson, author of Cats in the Navy

Chris Willingham, president of the United States War Dogs Association