Yorkie Doodle Dandy is Corporal William A. Wynne's original story about Smoky, a tiny Yorkshire Terrier dog found in a New Guinea foxhole during World War II. Smoky helped save the lives of many servicemen who were faced with imminent airfield attack. Wynne's own life was spared by Smoky while under a shipboard kamikaze attack. Smoky is credited internationally for her therapy work in hospitals and care facilities. Post-war, Smoky continued therapy work and performed on live television with Bill as her trainer. Smoky ultimately proved to the world the therapeutic value of dogs during war, conflict, and recovery, as well as in friendship, entertainment, and hope.
Author William A. Wynne is nationally recognized for his award-winning black and white photography. While specializing in horticulture during high school in Cleveland, Ohio, he took an elective course in photography, which changed his life forever. In 1944, the 26th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron of the U.S. Army Air Force placed Wynne directly into the Pacific Theater of WWII, where he became Smoky's best friend.