---
title: "Corporal Wojtek: the 440-pound bear who drank, smoked, and carried munitions"
date: "2018-06-25"
modified: "2020-10-22"
authors:
  - name: "Team Mighty"
    job_title: "Author"
    link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/teammighty/"
url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/watch/corporal-wojtek-the-440-pound-bear-who-drank-smoked-and-carried-munitions/"
categories:
  - "History"
  - "War History"
---

# Corporal Wojtek: the 440-pound bear who drank, smoked, and carried munitions

![](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17302758/origin.jpg>)

During World War II, the 22nd Artillery Supply Company of the 2nd Polish Corps had an unusual soldier among its ranks — a 440-pound Syrian bear named Wojtek.

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Wojtek first came to the company as a cub, but over the course of the war he matured and was given the rank of corporal in the Polish army.

[Read more about Corporal Wojtek, our furry 440-pound bear soldier here.](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/the-story-of-wojtek-the-440-pound-bear-that-drank-smoked-and-carried-weapons-for-the-polish-army-during-world-war-ii/>)

## Author
Team Mighty's experience encompasses intel, special ops, military history, tactical expertise, aviation, gear, and weapons. Authors on Team Mighty include veterans, spouses, and active and reserve service members from every branch of the military, as well as former CIA employees.