The next night, sentry dog Nemo, an 85-pound German Shepherd, detected a small enemy group that remained hidden on the base. or photos. Smokey and I typically worked at night, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., but we would also conduct daylight area sweeps when temporarily attached to infantry units. On a night in early December 1966, about 75 enemy raiders slipped past the first perimeter line at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam. Commendations: There is a long history of dogs being used in war that stretches back to ancient times. the working dog program and led to 250 canine (U.S. Air Force photo). He received the Silver Star for alerting the airbase a VC attack was coming. The program was a huge failure. This Page is for our Air Force's Dog Handler,K9 Unit; experiences before and during our time at Cam Ranh AB, Vietnam. According to Dogs in History, only about 200 of the more than 4,000 dogs who served in Vietnam made it out. Vietnam. I was 20 years old and weighed 135 pounds; Smokey weighed 90 pounds. Ian Harvey is one of the authors writing for WAR HISTORY ONLINE, The Follow-Up to Band of Brothers is Coming. served in Vietnam or You are a member of that organization and your name is on our honor roll. Complete Lists of served in the U.S. Air Force as an Airman 1st Class with the 56th Security Police Squadron in Thailand from 1971-1972. MWD Criteria for Inclusion USAF Police Virtual Memorial, When they started school,they only had blues and low quarters and were cleaning kennels withwet shoes and one set of blues. He received the Silver Star for alerting the airbase a VC attack was coming. In this Holland Vietnam Veterans episode, I interviewed Bob Curnick, a dog handler who served in the Air Force from 1972-1976. Dogs were trained as scouts and sentries as well as other duties. The first 4 were: June 26, 2012 - Bomb dogs are integral to the NATO mission in Afghanistan. It was a disgrace and left thousands of dog handlers in a state of depression for years to come. first Air Force Dog Handler to die in Vietnam. The memorial in Groveport cost $110,000. - Strollers information on joining. August is National Dog Month in the United States, so in this episode we salute the four-legged warriors who helped us fight the war in Vietnam, saving an estimated 10,000 American lives. The list also specifies the dogs that were returned in K-9 sentry dogs at Phu Cat Air Base in Vietnam are trained by members of the 37th Security Police Squadron. The volunteer force, nicknamed Merrill's Marauders, executed skilled fighting tactics in the Burmese jungles to defeat the veteran soldiers of the Japanese 18th Division. All of us talked about dying in Viet Nam but I dont think any of us thought one of us would. $75. This study, using primary Watch this tribute to dogs of the Vietnam War. In January 1966, Nemo and his handler Airman Leonard Bryant, Jr., were transferred to the Republic of South Vietnam with a large group of other sentry dog teams. Bill was the first SEAL to handle Dogs in SEAL Team. A1C David Shark with his sentry dog Heino at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, South Vietnam. After the dog located the tunnel, a soldier (Tunnel Rat) would enter the tunnel to investigate. The Army and Air Force used about 90% of the dogs sent to Vietnam, with the Army having the most by a wide margin. Hometown: Needham, Mass. deaths. Faced with the very real threat posed by Viet Cong sappers infiltrating USAF bases in Vietnam and sabotaging multi-million dollar aircraft with grenades and satchel charges, the Air Force's. Every dog responded to both verbal and nonverbal hand commands. Nemo: Canine Hero The dogs were given to the ARVN, and were used in combat. Nemo is one of the most famous dogs in history. Approximately 4,000 dogs served in the Vietnam War leading patrols with their handlers. Cam Rahn Bay Vietnam share a common bond. When U.S. forces exited from Vietnam only 200 of the dogs made it back to the states. Kyle Pethtel, a dog handler with the 27th Special Operations Security Forces, was fun and filled with challenges for both canine and. Air Force dog handlers provided a unique and critical capability in defending air bases against attack. I remember how we all got off the plane in Hawaii with our dogs and took them out on the ramp eventhough the government told us they had to remain on the plane. In Home | Join VDHA | Membership Renewal | Contact Us | Member Login 2023 VDHA All Rights reserved. Though he lost an eye, Nemo survived. When the war ended, many handlers wanted to bring their dogs home to America. It was Langleys and Vogies duty to hide out in the underbrush and sit quietly from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. the next morning watching, listening and staying out of sight. I was a sentry dog handler in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, a member of the 212th Military Police Sentry Dog Company stationed in Tay Ninh. Exercising of K-9 sentry dogs and patrolling tactics used by the handlers of the 37th Security Police Squadron in Phu Cat Air Base, Vietnam. At times we had to lay on our dogs to keep them quiet when he VC ran by. Reeves has volunteered at Motts Military Museum since 2012. The VC fired 60 to 80 rounds into parked aircraft and troop billets then withdrew undetected and unabated. Benning Military Working Dog Memorial, Dogs and Handlers Lost: Vietnam However, as the war escalated, The United States Marine Corps entered into a service agreement with the US Army to have them train German Shepherds as scout dogs. (U.S. Air Force photo). Air Force dog handlers provided a unique and critical capability in defending air bases against attack. To Present, National Old Dawgs Supporting Young Pups, Bulletin Boards: It was on March 13, 1942, that the . They knew the drills inside and out, and we did not. Instructors willtell them to drop the purse so they lower the leash and assume a more relaxed hold of it. and secondary sources, describes the epizootic, . There were also mine and booby trap dogs. These dogs were rarely sent into combat. He talks about serving with his K-9, Jake, and the roles of military working dogs in-country. including attacks on bases, Nemo MWDs areincredibly strong and athletic andso when the situation calls for a handler to maintain tightcontrol of their dog, they will apply a short safety. All handlers use a 6-foot leash and, with the dog on their left, they will hold the end of the leash in their right hand while using their left hand to grab the leash halfway down and wrap it once around their hand to ensure the dog stays close. Reeves was sent home in 1971 but Prince stayed behind. Between the years 1964 and 1973, America had deployed an estimated 4,000 war dogs and 10,000 handlers to help defend South Vietnam from invasion from North Vietnam. All military working dog (MWD) handlers no matter what branch of service they are in, go through the same basic handlers course and advanced dog training schools. Mabins also has the distinction of being the first African American female dog handler in the Air Force. "Those that did not die were euthanized or left behind when US troops withdrew from the war. The Navy successfully used dogs on slow trolling patrol boats operating throughout the American patrolled waterways of South Vietnam. By clearing routes of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and sniffing out other explosive ordinance, they're helping to save the lives of coalition and Afghan forces. The man runs away. Whether it was a sniper at 200 yards, a rocket fired into a base camp or an attack from a well-concealed bunker complex, the element of surprise was usually on the side of our enemies. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. At the moment of impact its important the decoy is not so stiffto allow the dogs momentum carry through. Sentry dog alerts to movement outside the perimeter of Phan Rang Air Base. Some day, Ill be in heaven with you and we can once again walk our dogs. He said that only two things kept him going through the difficult time of war, letters from home and time with his dog, Fritz. Under PROJECT TOP DOG 145, the U.S. Air Force sent 40 sentry dogs and 40 handlers to South Vietnam in the summer of 1965. 71-72', Complete History of Air When U.S. forces exited from Vietnam only 200 of the dogs made it back to the states. served with BUD/S Class 13, UDT 21, UDT 22, SEAL Team Two with three tours in Vietnam. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a symbol of America's honor and recognition of the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War. The Great Pademic of Rapid City, 2020. eighteen Security Police personnel KIA) were on the CH-53helicopter I feel really sorry for these soldiers . Equipped with their sensory superpowers, the . free to copy photos or stories. Dragon ships sprayed the surrounding jungle with bullets. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test determines where a prospective service member might excel in the military. To make it simple, instructors tell beginning handlers to yell HOT SAUCE! very quickly over and over to provoke the dog. "We now have 2,000 former dog handlers in our organization today." Airman 2/C George Bevich, a dog handler in Vietnam is pictured with his dog, Rex. To conduct a proper detection search, all handlers are taught the inverted V method in which the dog detects low, then high, then low again. A three-man squad in a Jeep with a mounted M-60 machine gun would arrive within five minutes and check out the area looking for Viet Cong infiltrators. AKC Museum of the Dog in St. Louis, Missouri; John Burnam, a dog handler during the Vietnam War, successfully raised funds for the Military Working Dog Teams National Monument at Lackland Air Force Base, where military dogs have been trained since 1958. Not every unit on patrol got a dog; there werent enough to go around, and in those cases, a Soldier would have to walk point alone. I know all your dog handler friends are. John Davis, 3rd SPS, Bien Hoa AB, 1969 Photo Courtesy of Paul Kaiser, Bien Thuy Vietnam 1967/68 Through the hours of darkness, sentry dogs and their handlers patrolled along the perimeters of U.S. Air Force air bases. "Feed the Dawgs," is a group of Vietnam era dog handlers who visit K-9 handlers and provide meals for the handlers and their families. Handler controls and pets the dog. The assistant director of the museum, Lori Motts-Byrd, began raising funds in order to build a memorial to the dogs and the men who worked with them. Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. He was one of the perimeter guards protecting the airbase from intruders. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. National K9 Veterans Day, March 13, is a day set aside to honor commemorate the service and sacrifices of American military and working dogs throughout history. SOURCE: Military Working Dogs National Monument, I have searched endlessly to find out what fate the scout dogs, Vietnam War, had. duty military dogs, rigorous tick control, military working dogs as sentries, scouts, Within a few years, several hundred dogs had been turned over to the Vietnamese military. Security Police or as an Note: Working on this list. Air Force Dog handlers work with their canines to train and detect explosives, or find drugs in a number of different situations. History, Natural Accept a new handler with reduced training time. Parade Float, History WWI & I, for one, think thats an understatement.. The several thousand surviving war dogs were crated and no longer performing their jobs in the field because their masters were ordered out of South Vietnam. The two were trained to scout which meant they would go on patrols and search for people, mines and booby traps. Tom King was another handler who attended. In late March 1967, Langley arrived at Tan Son Nhut Air Base and became a member of the 377th Security Police (K9). is an association for USAF From here, you can become an active duty dog handler. The dogs started out at Lackland Air Force Base in . * Firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons, are specifically prohibited in Federal facilities in accordance with 18 USC 930 (c) Most dog handlers start their careers as E-3s (Private First Class) to E-5s (Sergeant) depending on the service," emails Air Force Maj. Matthew Kowalski, Commander in the 341st Training Squadron, which provides training to military working dogs in San Antonio. Nemo returned to Lackland in July 1967 as a part of an Air Force dog recruitment team. After 11 months and 27 days as an Air Force dog handler in Vietnam, Langley and Vogie parted company. As soon as that happened, I got on my walkie-talkie and alerted the base. This Bulldog, officially known as Chesty XV, is the Marines' official mascot. The Vietnam Dog Handler Association formed to help these veterans cope with the guilt of leaving their dogs behind. Night Beat, Cold Nose-Brave Hearts Legendary War Dogs, Handlers & listed by name, brand number, and bases assigned. For my spreadsheet as time permits.. He extended for a month-in-country to help Taddy get accustomed to her new situation. First parade float to honor military working dogs! Reeves was a dog handler in Vietnam. 113 likes. Defenders and military working dogs from the 75 th Security Forces Squadron at Hill Air Force Base gathered with the community on K-9 Veterans Day, March 13, to dedicate a Vietnam Veterans War Dog Memorial at Layton Commons Park. A human nose has about five million scent receptors; a shepherd has at least 225 million. Name: John Francis Langley Dogs could even detect enemy fighters submerged in rivers, breathing through hollow reeds and waiting to attack American watercraft. Very few dogs were redeployed to U.S. bases outside of South Vietnam to live out their lives in peace. Esteban Rivera, 2 July 2014 1975-76 to the DOD Dog Center, Lackland AFB, Texas. Congressman, Roscoe Bartlett of Maryland. Air Force dog handlers provided a unique and critical capability in defending air bases against attack. 1973 is significant because that was when the United States ceased ground combat operations and withdrew the last of its ground combat forces from South Vietnam. A contingent of former Vietnam dog handlers will be there standing with Langley as part of the Veterans Day services at The Wall this week. and its implications for the future use of In 1965, the Air Force prepped 40 handler-and-dog teams at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, for missions in Vietnam. Their keen senses, learning ability, endurance & devotion have made them invaluable companions. Photo provided Only around 200 made it home to retire in peacetime. stories/photos U.S. Marine dog handler, Corporal Michael Galloway and his Scout Dog, Stormy search a tunnel and find an enemy satchel of explosives ( Vietnam 1970). There was an epidemic of parvovirus that year that killed a lot of dogs in Viet Nam, and Taddy got sick. During the ground war, Veterinarians and Vet Techs were also deployed throughout South Vietnam to help manage the diets and medial health of the war dogs. additional veterinary research. (U.S. Air Force photo). my dad name was gunny elzie pence he work dogs in nam he was there 3 times looking to see if anyone knew him.thank his son scot ps iam also a honorable marine of 4 years. Pablo Gonzalez. - Service animals Interest - Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.) Motts Military Museum in Groveport, Ohio (a suburb of Columbus, Ohio), dedicated the new Vietnam War Dog Team Memorial. Dog attacks a man. Handler tours (multiple tours are shown also) and dog assignments by base, The real story of the Vietnam War - WAR DOGS- AMERICA'S FORGOTTEN HEROES, MWD Criteria for Inclusion USAF Police Virtual Memorial. The typical responsefrom a handler whose dog was jammed is to ask the decoy if they want peanut butter. So, the MOS codes which you see here are now history. concluded that the future control of canine If you are interested in adopting one of the dogs, please email the adoptions coordinator at MWD.Adoptions@us.af.mil ; we will email you an application packet.. Meeting the dogs: Approved applicants will be given an opportunity to schedule an appointment to travel to the . first Air Force Dog Handler to die in Vietnam. "Nemo", born in October 1962, entered the United States Air Force as a sentry dog in 1964, at the age of 1 years. And it took less time for a Lab than a German shepherd to get used to a new handler. As some of the only . You had to be careful not to get in an area that was being hit by one of these dragon ships or a helicopter gun ship. Allhandlers will learn how todecoy aka pretend to be the bad guy and its important they know how to agitate properly toprovoke the dog to bite them. Dogs of the Vietnam War Dog Handlers Approximately 4,000 dogs served in the Vietnam War leading patrols with their handlers. was a dog handler who served in the Air Force from 1972-1976. The dog was deployed to alert on the breath scent of enemy underwater divers breathing through reeds, snorkels and other underwater apparatus. BalanceRose These teams didnt wait to be ambushed. Labrador retrievers were also widely used, primarily as trackers. Security Police team with a dog on an early morning reconnaissance patrol near Phu Cat Air Base, South Vietnam, in 1967. Prohibited Items: Notice:Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media. Yet, with the bond a dog team creates and all the training they have gone through, handlers will, at times, doubt their dogs abilities. When a dog team arrived at its post usually just a path around a camp, ammo dump, or airfield it performed a changeover. The handler changed the dogs choke-chain collar to his leather now its time to work collar. determine its cause. This would be the largest battle involving sentry dogs, their . Langley decided to do something about it. infected animals brought the epizootic under I added other services because all dog handlers Mark Smoot served in the U.S. Air Force as an Airman 1st Class with the 56th Security Police Squadron in Thailand from 1971-1972. treatment and serologic testing to detect The dogs handler could determine the distance to the danger, usually by the degree of his dogs state of alert. Then, instead of walking into the Vietcong trap, he could call in fire or air support to obliterate the enemy position. Then on February 14, 1971, Prince stopped Reeves as he was about to step over a fallen tree. All of the other dog handlers were doing the same thing. But our forces did have one elite weapon that sometimes took the advantage away. I know you have a son and I know that he had to be very proud of you. Includes sound bites from Staff Sgt Tim Castillo and Staff Sgt Witney Young, U.S. Air Force 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Most novice handlers unknowingly hold the leash up high while their dog is detecting making it lookas though they are holding a purse. During the ground war, Veterinarians and Vet Techs were also deployed throughout South Vietnam to help manage the diets and medial health of the war dogs. Unit:377th Security Police (War Dog Previsional), and his dog wait at a helipad for an early evening flight to a combat area. The German Shepherd Dog (GSD, also known as Alsatian) was the most common service dog in the Vietnam War, used for scouting, sentry duty, mine/tunnel detection, and water patrols. Sentry dog teams were deployed as the first line of defense guarding American base camps day and night. Dogs have been mans partners in war for a long time. Ehrlichia canis, was identified as the cause of The dog handlers begged and pleaded for the government to let them take thier dogs home. Assignments. Your email address will not be published. By the time the handler comes to clean it, the MWD has painted the kennel with feces. . Sentry dogs would protect military bases and scout dogs would enable the troops to attack the VC. Fritz and King were shipped to Vietnam in January 1967. They were trained to sniff out mines and booby traps buried in roads, hidden on bridges or in buildings, and sniff out the location of tunnels. Prince lived to be 15 which makes Reeves happy. Fort Sometimes, a not at source or pinpoint is added when the instructor notices the dog is on the odor but hasnt found the training aid yet. PRINCE 986A GS Gary Mather/ Edward L. Reeves (70 .