The phrase "heroes of the second World War" might conjure up scenes from Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, or Pearl Harbor, but another kind of hero emerges in an exhibit that launched yesterday, July 22, in New Orleans. This hero did not work for pay, but he took pride in a job well done; he was as loyal as any soldier, but with twice as many legs. This hero was the horse.

World War II horse and soldier

A German soldier and his horse during World War II.

The National World War II Museum exhibit, "Loyal Forces: Animals in WWII," commemorates the four animals armed forces used the most–horses, mules, dogs, and pigeons–and the roles these creatures filled in all areas of the war

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