Fort Stewart, Georgia. (June 12, 2025): Amongst themselves, Army Soldiers call each other “Dogface” as a term of endearment. The nickname can be seen as an insult, however, when used by other branches of the military. In this photo by Specialist Luciano Alcala, Soldiers install a support frame for a new Rocky the Bulldog statue at Fort Stewart. Rocky is the 3rd Infantry Division's mascot and serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Dogface Soldiers.
"Dogface soldiers" is a nickname given to Army infantrymen during World War II and is most identified with the 3rd Infantry Division, known as the "Marne Division".
The term first appeared in print at least as early as 1935 due to Soldiers wearing “dog tags” and sleeping in “pup” tents. Still others claim the troops came up with the moniker explaining “an infantrymen lives a dog’s life, when they want us, they whistle, and we obey.”
The term was made famous in cartoons drawn by World War II combat reporter Bill Mauldin in his series “Up Front” published in 1943. After the war, “The Dogface Soldier” became a popular song immortalized in the Audie Murphy picture “To Hell and Back.”
In 1965, the 3rd Infantry Division negotiated with Walt Disney for the rights to use the image of “Rocky the Bulldog” as its official mascot.
According to Fort Stewart officials, Rocky joined the division like all new Soldiers with medical checks and plenty of paperwork. His uniform was hand tailored by a volunteer who created a miniature version of the Operational Camouflage Pattern. While most military mascots begin at the rank of sergeant, Rocky enters service as a private giving him plenty of room for promotion.
On active duty, Rocky’s job will be to boost morale at division level ceremonies as well as an ambassador for the fighting 3rd Division. His arrival is just in time for his second birthday on July 4th.