Cat's Can Be War Heroes Too!

During the Chinese Civil War, Royal Naval officers aboard the ship Amethyst engaged in a battle that lasted 101 days.  During this time, their cat Simon kept them healthy by keeping the food storage areas free from rats. Since there weren't any rats around to eat the food, it lasted longer and wasn't contaminated by rat feces!

Simon also was a mascot to his fellow officers. He boosted their morale and gave them unconditional comfort during the long war. At the end of the siege the Amethyst took on heavy artillery fire and Simon got hit by shrapnel. Although the officers did everything they could Simon died from his injuries. 

Simon is the only cat to receive the PDSA Dickin Medal, (which is the animal equivalent for the Victoria Cross). He also was given the rank of Able Seaman and was buried with full military honors!