During World War II, when a group of Polish soldiers found an orphaned bear cub, they eagerly took him in as their pet and named him Wojtek.

As the young bear grew, he became friends with the soldiers, lifting their spirits as he learned to imitate them around camp.

Later, Wojtek was helpful in combat by carrying many heavy shells during the Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy.

Learn how Wojtek showed his courage in battle and earned the rank of Corporal during history’s biggest war.