The DARK History Behind Vietnam’s Abandoned War Dogs!

Among the unsung heroes of the Vietnam War were the war dogs, courageous canines whose remarkable skills played a pivotal role in the conflict. Trained for various military tasks such as scouting, tracking, and sentry duties, these loyal dogs had an uncanny ability to detect danger, safeguarding the lives of countless soldiers. Their bravery and service were credited with saving around 10,000 American lives during the war, making them indispensable partners to their human handlers.

Not New to War

The use of dogs in combat dates back long before the Vietnam War. Though the dogs in Vietnam played a critical role, their predecessors served in other conflicts. During World War II, the US military began formal training programs for dogs, using them not only to deliver messages but for more advanced military tasks. Between 1943 and 1945, the US Marine Corps trained dogs donated by civilians for combat in the Pacific Theater. Among all breeds, the Doberman Pinscher was chosen as the official Marine dog, a testament to their effectiveness.

The success of these war dogs in World War II led to their use again in Vietnam. From 1968 to the war’s end, over 5,000 dogs were deployed, working alongside 10,000 handlers. However, unlike human soldiers who could return home after their service, these loyal dogs were left in Vietnam, passed on from one handler to another, often never to return home.

The Labrador Trackers

Among the breeds used in Vietnam, the Labrador Retriever was a standout, particularly for its tracking abilities. These dogs were trained to alert their handlers to hidden dangers such as snipers, tripwires, and weapon caches. Rick Claggett, a Vietnam veteran, highlighted their exceptional ability to follow blood trails. Whether it was tracking down wounded enemies or locating missing personnel, the Labrador teams—comprising the dog, its handler, a cover man, a team leader, and a visual tracker—became vital assets in the war effort.

Labradors were chosen over other tracking breeds like Beagles and Bloodhounds due to their relatively quiet nature. Australian forces also formed their own K9 units, using shelter dogs from Sydney. These dogs, named after Roman emperors, served in Vietnam for three years, but it was German Shepherds that comprised the majority of Australia’s war dogs.

Versatile Warriors

The dogs in Vietnam took on a wide variety of roles beyond tracking. They served as sentries, scouts, and even helped in mining and tunneling operations. Rick Claggett shared his experience working with a scout dog named Big Boy. As the lead in patrol missions, Big Boy’s job was to detect booby traps and ambushes. This role was extremely perilous, with the scout teams experiencing the third-highest mortality rate during the war.

Sentry dogs patrolled US outposts, acting as the first line of defense. They also served on water patrols, trained to detect enemy soldiers attempting to attack amphibious crafts. Due to their effectiveness, both dogs and their handlers became prime targets for the Viet Cong, who placed bounties on them and even attacked their kennels to weaken the US forces.

A Bond Like No Other: The Story of Nemo A534

The loyalty and bravery of these dogs forged unbreakable bonds with their handlers. One of the most famous examples is the story of Nemo A534 and his handler, Capt. Robert Throneburg. On December 4, 1966, during a patrol at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Nemo alerted Throneburg to an enemy ambush. The pair launched a counterattack, killing two enemy soldiers, but both were seriously wounded. Nemo was shot through his right eye, while Throneburg was hit twice in the shoulder.

Despite his injuries, Nemo lay over Throneburg’s body, protecting him until help arrived, refusing to let anyone near him. Throneburg was awarded the Bronze Star with V and two Purple Hearts for his heroism, while Nemo was retired and sent back to the US, where he lived out the rest of his life as a recruiting dog.

Forgotten Heroes

Despite their immense contributions, the fate of these dogs at the end of the war was a grim one. Out of the 5,000 dogs that served in Vietnam, only 232 were killed in action. However, many were left behind or euthanized, considered “equipment” by the US government, which did not prioritize their return. While soldiers had formed deep bonds with their canine companions and pleaded for their safe return, their appeals were largely ignored.

Handlers still remember their war dogs with deep fondness, and the service of these brave animals has not been forgotten. In 2019, their sacrifices were honored with the unveiling of the Vietnam War Dog Team Memorial at the Motts Military Museum in Ohio, ensuring their legacy as heroes endures for generations to come.