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War Dobes, Part III

© Deborah J. Myers

When World War II was over, the War Dog Training School was slated to be closed and War Dog Platoons closed. Dobermans that survived the war were either sent home with their handlers, returned to the families who lent them to the military, or, in some cases, the dogs were euthanized because they were not claimed.

As of November 2000, this will not happen again. H.R.5314 Public Law No: 106-446 amends Title 10, United States Code, to make sure that dog veterans will be adopted by appropriate caretakers so that they may live the rest of their natural lives.

A number of war dog memorials commemorate the animals that fought alongside U.S. soldiers. One of these is in the Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in New York. All kinds of service dogs, not just War Dogs, are buried here as well as household pet dogs. A special ceremony is held every Memorial Day near the War Dog Memorial to commemorate dogs that served during war and peace.

The memorial’s inscription reads as follows:

Dedicated to the memory of the war dog. Erected by public contributions by dog lovers to man's faithful friend for the valiant services rendered in world war, 1914 - 1918.

To commemorate the sacrifice of World War II dogs, the National War Dog Cemetery at the U.S. Naval Base at Orote Point in Guam uses a Doberman statue. Twenty-five dogs are buried here, commemorating the more than 800 World War II War Dogs.

The inscription on the front of the monument reads as follows:

25 Marine War Dogs gave their lives liberating Guam in 1944. They served as sentries, messengers, scouts. They explored caves, detected mines, and booby traps.

SEMPER FIDELIS [“Always Faithful,” the Marine Corps motto]

Kurt Yonnie Koko Bunkie Skipper Poncho Tubby Hobo Nig Prince Fritz Emmie Missy Cappy Duke Max Blitz Amo Silver Brockie Bursch Pepper Ludwig Rickey Tam (buried at sea off Asan Point)

Given in their memory and on behalf of the surviving men of the 2nd and 3rd marine dogs war platoons, many of whom owe their lives to the bravery and sacrifice of these gallant animals.

By William W. Putney, DVM C.O. 3rd Marine War Dog Platoon Dedicated this day 21 July 1994. The back of the memorial reads as follows:

“Always Faithful” was inspired by the spirit of these heroic dogs who are the embodiment of love and devotion.

Sculptress Susan Wilner

To honor the working dog heritage of the doberman pinscher, the United Doberman Club dedicated this statue to the courageous doberman pinscher that valiantly served during the war in the Pacific.

Dobermans and other breeds have served in every major US conflict since World War II. The intelligence, loyalty, and bravery of these animals advanced American war efforts and, more importantly, saved American lives. Their valor will not be forgotten.