It’s true, in World War II Poland really had a bear named Wojtek who was a private in the military! Wojtek was a Syrian brown bear bought as a cub by Polish II Corps soldiers who had been evacuated from the Soviet Union. In order to provide for his rations and transportation, he was enlisted officially as a soldier with the rank of private. He was later promoted to corporal (imagine being outranked by a bear! haha). He accompanied the II Corps to Italy, serving with the 22nd Artillery Supply Company. During the Battle of Monte Cassino, in Italy in 1944, Wojtek helped move crates of ammunition. He became a celebrity with visiting Allied generals and statesmen. After the war he lived out the rest of his life at the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland.

This post about Wojtek is amazing, complete with this meme, fan art and photos of his flag and statues:

(via: Fangoddesses)

I was today years old when I learned the history of World War II hero bear Wojtek! Had you heard of him before? Let us know in the comments below!