Sailors and cats have shared a special bond for thousands of years. Cats provided not only companionship that sailors needed on their long and sometimes dreadful voyages, they also protected the ship from vermin such as rats and mice from chewing and damaging the ship and spreading diseases.
This photo was taken in Korea in 1953. The little kitten named Miss Hap was only two weeks old. She became an orphan because of war and was rescued by Marine Sergeant Frank Praytor. He adopted the kitten after the mother cat died from the war. According to the marine, the name was derived “because she was born at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
This photo was taken in Tarawa in November, 1943. The little kitten “crept out from beneath a wrecked” tank. The U.S. Marine soldier, name unknown, offered water to the little one.
Cats were often mascots for the U.S. marine soldiers during the time of war. Soldiers often spent time with their beloved furry friends right before heading off to battles:
Stories and photos via U.S. Naval Institute
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this brought tears to my eyes. Bless our soldiers and our cats.
This brought tears to my eyes as well. There are so many casualties of war, of which we are not aware!
In terrible circumstances, these men can overcome inhumanity with a kitty. Heartwarmimg.
The loving relationship of man to animal in times of unspeakable tragedies…
purrs
>^,,^<
Abby
aww!!!
So sweet. I like the creativity and meaning behind the name "Miss Hap".
Jemma, Miss Hap was weaned on meat out of C rations and she grew into a large girl that thought I was her father. When I left Korea, I left her in the care of another Marine. When I returned in '53, she was alive and well.
At 83, I'm still saving orphans. Have two cats, Molly and Max. They never leave the house.
Frank, my hat's off to you
. You are awesome!
What a wonderful guy you are, Frank.
Your story made me want to tear up a little! You are truly a wonderful soul.
if that kitten survived c rations then it has a tummy of steel and should live forever. my lil bro and I used to play army with rations an uncle brought home from I want to say desert storm.. 20 yrs later I still remember the foul taste…lol
great story tho. its good to see military men like this and not the douchebag in Iraq (Afghanistan ?) who threw a puppy over a cliff
What a wonderful story. Those men had a soft spot in their hearts for the kitties. God bless them.
Very heart warming!
Amazing how a little kitty can open your heart, just like these did for the soldiers. They bring light to your darkest days.
Definitely true Tammy!
Somebody said that animals are much closer to God than us human. I think this so true. I need a tissue….
Such a nice story . . .
Oh, I started to think of all the poor little unknown kitties and cubs and fledglings who were victims of war. But what great love and energy one can get from the small little animals: These people are so much in need of love in times of cruelty…this is so moving.
Pass the tissue! How very sweet
My Dad was in the Marines, W.W.2, South Pacific. He Talked about his Buddies caring for Orphan Kittens. This article made me "smile, it also made remember How Special Our Troops(especially the Marines)how Wonderful they are !
Great great photos.
Very touching story about soldiers & their furry friends during war times.
I don't know who has the more impressive courage under fire… soldiers or the animals. The wrong place, wrong time for everyone.
What wonderful photos!
The cats and the soldiers are bright spots in each others otherwise bleek lives. I'm so thankful that God led them to each other!
These pictures are so darn cute. Thank you for sharing them.
This is just too beautiful :')
I LOVED THIS!! XOXOXOXOXO
WHAT A GREAT STORY!
Top is really sweet, hope the little guy lived way back in 1943….Wow….Who knew soldiers have always had a soft spot for fur babies?
Its no surprize these men got comfort from these wee cuties, the kittens were as much a comfort and touch of home to the men as the men are life savers to the kittens, peace and love to everyone ,xxx
Real men love cats!
Amazing! Brought tears to my eyes!