It was a disgrace and left thousands of dog handlers in a state of depression for years to come. The 22-year-old received the Silver Star, for sounding the initial alarm that an enemy attack was under way, and the Purple Heart, both posthumously. The dogs sense of smell and hearing saved a lot of American lives. I added other services because all dog handlers Click here to view the War Tales fan page on FaceBook. Over time, you will have the opportunity to advance into higher ranks. USMC & Handlers from our allies killed in Vietnam, Thailand, He completed K9 training at Lackland. Click on the title to read a short history. Ray Roberts & King, Da Nang AB Vietnam April 1973 Photo Courtesy of Don Poss, Fred Hewitt & Sentry Dog Bullet Da Nang AB Perimeter Dec 1967 Photo courtesy of Monty Moore, A1C Shark and K-9 Heino at Cam Ranh Bay AFB Vietnam. United States War Dog Association (USWDA) was established in 2000 by 5 dog handlers (Ron Aiello, Bucky Grimm, Bob Cicero, Bob Thompson, and Al Gunderson) who served in Vietnam. Federal Benefits for dependents and survivors. . Since then both King and Reeves have been able to see the records of their dogs. Hear him talk about his service, from parachuting with Prince, to lying on ambush in Vietnam with Prince. Air Force dog handlers provided a unique and critical capability in defending air bases against attack. He gave them one set of greens and a pair of boots and told them we'll see how it works out. withina month we had two more sets of fatigues and another pair of boots. Hometown: Needham, Mass. Reeves has volunteered at Motts Military Museum since 2012. New Zealands elite Special Air Service in Malaysia, Throughout the course of the war, 4,000 dogs served in Vietnam and Thailand, A human nose has about five million scent receptors, Dogs and their handlers went through three phases of instruction: drill/obedience, New Zealand's elite Special Air Service in Malaysia. For The Vietnamese military never had an effective dog program. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. infected animals brought the epizootic under Reeves found out that Prince had been one of the few dogs that returned to the US. According to Dogs in History, only about 200 of the more than 4,000 dogs who served in Vietnam made it out. - Backpacks After completing an 8-week training course, he was assigned to Fairchild AFB, Washing, for duty with the Strategic Air Command. The VC fired 60 to 80 rounds into parked aircraft and troop billets then withdrew undetected and unabated. 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. It was a watershed moment but it was not without challenges. Photo provided Face-to-face with Elvis, an energetic German shepherd, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alyssa Stamps, a military working dog handler with the 35th Security Forces Squadron, makes a grab for the ball. - Alcohol Special Note to Post Vietnam Personnel: During the 1980s, The U.S. Army changed the MOS code structure. 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. I was shocked when I heard that you had been killed during the attack on your base in Siagon. extensive effort to control this disease and to The Army and Air Force used about 90% of the dogs sent to Vietnam, with the Army having the most by a wide margin. 1975-76 to the DOD Dog Center, Lackland AFB, Texas. New K-9 He researched what became of his dog, Prince, and published the results in a book he self-published in 2016. Thailand Dog Handlers 71-72 -- DP.Kelly & Lucky, 11:14:42 10/22/02 TuePDT (209.4.252.40) I was stationed at Korat Air Base from 11/71 to 11/72 and I was in K9 school at Lackland during the summer of 71. Scout dogs were trained to alert on enemy movement, booby traps, land mines, base camps, underground tunnel complexes, and underground caches of weapons, food and medical supplies. The Navy successfully used dogs on slow trolling patrol boats operating throughout the American patrolled waterways of South Vietnam. He met Bevich in 1966 before both of them shipped out. Tan Son Nhut Air Base on December 4, one air force handler and three sentry dogs were killed during a VC penetration. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This image was on the front cover of AMVET magazine showing John Langley and his dog, Vogie. At 6:06 a.m. Thursday, former Airman 1st. 15 Sep 2021. As a result, allhandlers in the militaryuse key terms and phrases that every handler will understand. VSPA The United States employed large numbers of Whats more, all our dogs had lived with our American smells for years. Credited with saving Throneburg's life, Nemo was hailed as a hero. However, dogs that are not fully confident will not clench and hold and instead will bite, then release, and then bite a different area. Since then, no adoptable dogs are euthanized at the end of their military service. of Vietnam, including attacks on bases. the identification and control of the disease, The Labradors, with their amazing noses, went straight to tracker training. FREEAdmission & Parking. The handler trusted the dog with his life, and the dog was absolutely loyal, even to the death. * Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include seller's handling time, origin ZIP Code, destination ZIP Code and . Stamps, a military working dog handler with the 35th Security Forces Squadron, describes this as "battling a streak of stubbornness" taken on during the two-week rapport stage destined to nurture their new relationship. Memorial Why K-9 sentry dogs at Phu Cat Air Base in Vietnam are trained by members of the 37th Security Police Squadron. I know I felt it with Smokey. He was one of the perimeter guards protecting the airbase from intruders. Military working dogs are the worlds most-highly trained dogs and must be controlled or in a controlled environment at all times for everyones safety. To submit stories Their keen senses, learning ability, physical endurance, and devotion to man have made them invaluable companions on battlefields both past and present. The next night, sentry dog Nemo, an 85-pound German Shepherd, detected a small enemy group that remained hidden on the base. 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. When Vogies ears would go up, the fur on her back would go up, her tail would also go, I knew she had something, Langley said. Prince worked in San Diego sniffing for drugs at the border. Permitted Items: While serving as a dog handler and sentry in Montana, Bob was called to protect one of the last American bases in Southeast Asia after the withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam in 1973, known as Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base. It was during the Tet Offensive that Vogie and Langley played their biggest role. - Purses My Marine friend got medication, food, vitamin supplemens from a veterinarian and shipped them to the ARVN. Vice president Ernie Ayala says that it is difficult to think about how these dogs saved their lives and in return the handlers went home and left the dogs behind. USMC & Handlers from our allies killed in Vietnam, Thailand, 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. These are MWDs who are so well trained overall, especially in obedience, that they will rarelyneed acorrection, if any. His handler, Airman 1st Class Robert Throneburg, released him to attack. Twelve members of the RAF Police and their Military Working Dogs competed to be crowned champion and 'Best in Trade,' at the RAF Police 2021 UK Military Working Dog Trials. The dogs were given to the ARVN, and were used in combat. control, although ehrlichiosis still remains a I never mind when people share this website with their family and friends. Some, but not many, were transferred to the South Vietnamese military and police. On November 1, 1964, between 12:25 and 12:33 AM, Vietnamese Communist (VC) troops attacked Bien Hoa Air Base with six 81-mm mortars positioned about 400 meters north, outside the air base. There were also mine and booby trap dogs. King, a two-year combat veteran sentry dog in Vietnam, gets a rewarding word from his handler, Sgt Paul F. Esser, New Orleans, a security police dog handler at Binh Thuy AB after the K-9 signed his Air Force Home Times News Release form with an inked paw. At times we had to lay on our dogs to keep them quiet when he VC ran by. A dog handler witht he combat tracker team from the 4th Inf. The success of these teams, combined with those working in U.S. law. This film looks at the relationship between two handlers and their canines. Many more followed, with the U.S. Air Force sentry force in Southeast Asia peaking in early 1967 at nearly 500 dogs. Mills, 76, of Sterling Heights, served in the U.S. Air Force 377th Air Police as a dog handler during his service, including a tour in Vietnam. WATCH THURSDAY BEGINNING AT 8 PM EASTERN AND ENJOY AMERICAN HISTORY TV EVERY WEEKEND ON C-SPAN 3. 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. The only thing that would make him happier is if he could have brought Prince home himself. Security Police or as an There is a long history of dogs being used in war that stretches back to ancient times. All of the other dog handlers were doing the same thing. problem among military working dogs. Deadly Disease for Military Working Dogs in SEA (South East-Asia) The United States employed large numbers of military working dogs as sentries, scouts, trackers, and mine detectors in Vietnam. Bevich and a group of four other dog handlers and their dogs were on their way to Vietnam and Langley drove them to Logan Airport in Boston for the trip overseas. Dogs to be used as scouts were trained at Fort Benning, Georgia, learning to detect tripwires, weapons caches, and other items. list all USAF, USN, USA, 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. Approximately 350 dogs were killed in action, many more were wounded, and 263 handlers were killed. I know all your dog handler friends are. TogetherWeServed.com Inc. All Rights Reserved | Not a U.S. Government Website. Photo 1 of 17. She would get excited, but she was trained not to bark. The United States Military Working Dog DemonstrationTeam was formed in 1975 at Lackland AFB. Natural Our US Air Force Dog Handler, K9 Unit Experience, Cam Ranh AB. Or copy and paste this, which is the link: https://donmooreswartales.com/2015/08/10/john-langley/. or photos. 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. The first that the US authorized the use of training for dogs was in World War II. History, Natural The program was a huge failure. The Dogs have been mans partners in war for a long time. These dogs are credited with saving more than 10,000 lives. Representing the Marine Corps, Army and Air Force, they found a common bond through K-9 and formed an organization to honor war dogs; past, present, and future. PRINCE 871M Vietnam RETURNED. This was considered the last combat action of the Vietnam war. Please email me with information. 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. There were hundreds of VC running out of the woods toward the airbase, he said. Sentry dog teams were deployed as the first line of defense guarding American base camps day and night. As some of the only . USAF Not a pleasant thought to consider given their incredible service, endurance, and devotion to duty. (War Dog Previsional), and his dog wait at a helipad for an early evening flight to a combat area. The scent of the Vietnamese was very different and much easier for them to pick up and alert on. While serving as a dog handler. To Sandbox served in Vietnam or "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. The mission of the 341st Training Squadron is to provide trained military working dogs and handlers for the Department of Defense, other government agencies and allies through training, logistical, veterinary support and research and development for security efforts worldwide. President As we navigate rapidly evolving military culture and Like any deployed troops, Russian soldiers make calls Sign up for our newsletter and receive the mighty updates! Sgt. Bevich is remembered on Panel 13E, Line 9 of The Wall. Chemical Exposure! All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. Airman Robert A. Thorneburg was assigned as Nemo's handler in July 1966. It was awful, it was a terrible thing to have happen to them, he said as he shook his head. The gun ships and choppers were firing at everything that moved. Dogs, from Elks magazine Courtesy of Don (Jack) Kelly Korat RTAFB 'Nov This photo of Bevich and Rex is part of The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit. military working dogs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airmen Elizabeth Figueroa) He was killed in a Viet Cong mortar attack in December 1966. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. - Coolers The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will provide another unique opportunity for visitors to honor Presidents Day and the legacy of Special Air Mission (SAM) Presidential Transport aircraft through "Plane Talks" on Saturday, February 18 from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The program that deals with the Department of Defense Military working dog program is the United States Air Force. EIN: 52-1149668, Copyright 2023 The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display. and the Sandbox. SOURCE: Military Working Dogs National Monument, I have searched endlessly to find out what fate the scout dogs, Vietnam War, had. An official website of the United States government, National Museum of the United States Air Force. Canine ehrlichiosis, a For the Air ForceBasic Military Training: 8.5 weeks; For the Coast GuardRecruit Training: 8.5 weeks . - Box cutters You are a member of that organization and your name is on our honor roll. For example, you can join the Army K9 unit. Navy SEAL Master Chief Bill Bruhmuller served with BUD/S Class 13, UDT 21, UDT 22, SEAL Team Two with three tours in Vietnam. Labrador retrievers were also widely used, primarily as trackers. K-9 Issues The middle panel contains the words, The Unbreakable Bond.. Very few dogs were redeployed to U.S. bases outside of South Vietnam to live out their lives in peace. MWDs build up a lot ofmomentum when they run after the decoy. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for USAF Security Police Sentry Dog K9 Handlers Photo Flight Line Formation 1950-60s at the best online prices at eBay! In a decision that remains controversial to this day, the Department of Defense classified the dogs as equipment, and most were left behind transferred to the army of South Vietnam, systematically euthanized, or simply abandoned. UP NEXT SHE . Eryn Bailey, 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog handler, performs a routine checkup on a dog during a two-day family pet clinic at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, Feb 15, 2022. Marine dog handler Steve Reichenbach with his dog, Major, on a patrol north of Danang in late 1966. . This copyrighted material may not be republished without permission. Copyright 2003-2021. VA Volunteer and Vietnam Veteran Recalls Dog Handling Days "Anka," a female German shepherd, was paired with Airman 1st Class Edward McClouds in 1969 at Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio, his first duty station after sentry dog training. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Benning Military Working Dog Memorial, Dogs and Handlers Lost: Vietnam If they heard or saw something, they notified the base by walkie-talkie. Dog teams form a bond so strong that a handlers attitude will affectthe dogs attitude and vice versa. These dogs and their handlers are credited with saving more than 10,000 U.S. lives (imagine The Wall with 10,000 more names inscribed on it) and preventing certain injury for countless more. Pixie and Brutus. The Labrador retriever dog was the only breed trained for tracking. All Rights Reserrved. Many dog handlers had a difficult time returning from the war. Their primary role was to track the enemys scent or blood trails throughout South Vietnam, so that larger American forces could reengage. Dogs and their handlers went through three phases of instruction: drill/obedience, aggression, and scouting. By the time the handler comes to clean it, the MWD has painted the kennel with feces. He was procured by the Air Force when he was one and a half years old. The XM177 series was deployed to Vietnam being used by a variety of units, including US Army Military Police and US Air Force Combat Security Police (primarily by dog handlers) and US. VSPA.com, its design and content are 1995-2023, of the Vietnam Security Police Association, Inc. (USAF). The Ron England Follies. Kyle Pethtel, a dog handler with the 27th Special Operations Security Forces, was fun and filled with challenges for both canine and.