Smoky returned on leave after basic training, where he excelled. During a heavy backpack, muscle building training stunt, in the river, a small Indian trooper stumbled and fell over his head in the rushing waters. Smoky was strong enough to not only carry his own load, but he was able to reach down and pull up his companion. He drilled a hole in his medal, put it on a chain and gave the necklace to Delilah.