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“After the smoke of battle had cleared on Betio Island, Tarawa, this tiny kitten crept out from beneath a wrecked Japanese tank, to receive a drink from a U.S. Marine.” Tawara Invasion, November 1943

Marine Barracks mascot Chesty XII, shortly before retiring and being replaced by Chesty XIII in 2008.

Royal Marine who jumped on grenade awarded George Cross

A Royal Marine is to receive the highest award for gallantry after jumping on a hand grenade to save the lives of three of his comrades.

Marine Lance Cpl. Gary R. Nichols fires an AT-4 light anti-armor weapon at an old tank during fire and maneuver training near Camp Bucca, Iraq, on July 18, 2005. Nichols and his fellow Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) are operating out of Camp Bucca to conduct various force protection missions.

Marine Corporal J. Laursen of San Jose, California is taking time out from patrol duty in Santo Domingo, the focal point of the rebellion in the Dominican Republic. Resting with his mascot “Whitey” a little puppy dog who is sitting in his helmet. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). May 1965

A Marine pays his final respects to Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Eastman. (Photo by Royal Air Force Cpl. Patricia Morrison)

Marine Pfc. Colton Rusk was photographed with Eli, a black Labrador being retired from military service following the death of Rusk. Rusk’s parents are adopting the bomb-sniffing dog who the military says loyally rushed to their son’s side when he was fatally shot in December.