When Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941,the United States inventory of military working dogs consisted of only 90 Siberian Huskies and Malamutes. These dogs were used as pack and sled dogs for rescue in areas of the world where motorized equipment could not go. In 1942 “Dogs for Defense” began a modern military dog-training program that would supply the demand for man ‘s Best Friend for combat units and security in the European and Pacific theaters of WWII. Over 42 breeds of dogs were originally accepted for training but by the summer of 1942 only seven breeds were suitable for combat situations based on intelligence and agility: Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, German Shepards, Doberman Pinchers, Collies, Belgian Sheepdogs and Alaskan sled dogs.
Our Dogs have saved countless numbers of lives. In Vietnam, War Dogs are attributed with preventing over 10,000 casualties. In the past 60 years over 30,000 canines have loyalty served this country saving untold of Americans in battle. Many of these dogs would have received gallantry awards - if awards had been issued to dogs - because they did their job and did it well. The only reward they needed for their bravery and loyalty to man was nothing more than food, water and the praise of their handler.
The Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy used War Dogs in Vietnam.
And today, our Military Working Dogs are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as explosive detection, patrol, and walking point. The German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Lab are saving lives in the war zone like their ancestors have done since WWII.
More WWII dog facts
World War II – Pacific Theater
William W. Putney - 1944 Marine Lieutenant & Veterinarian commanded the 3rd Marine War Dog Platoon’s beach landing that helped liberate Guam from the Japanese. The Marine Doberman Pincers and their handlers served as sentries, messengers and scouts. Twenty-five of Lieutenant Putney’s war dogs gave their lives in the liberation of Guam and were buried there in a War Dog Cemetery with name markers.
“BRUCE” – Brand Number T178: February 17, 1945 at 0315 hours, the Japanese launched a banzai attack in Northern Luzon Island against “E” Company, 27th Infantry. Bruce viciously attacked three Japanese infantrymen advancing in the darkness with fixed bayonets towards his foxhole containing two wounded American soldiers. Bruce’s saved their lives.
“BUSTER” – Brand Number A684: 1944 - While operating as a Messenger War Dog with “F” Company 155th Infantry Regiment on Morotai Island, Buster was directly responsible for saving the lives of an entire patrol of 17 men. Buster’s determination carried him through heavy enemy machine gun and mortar fire on a total of two dangerously long trips delivering instructions for the patrol to hold its position as help was on its way. Bruce was credited for the reinforcements that arrived in time to repel and defeat the entire Japanese force.
The American war dog teams helped defeat the Japanese military forces on Guam, Luzon, Morotai, Okinawa, Guadalcanal and many other pacific islands.
