On this Memorial Day, observances are being held around the country to remember our fallen veterans. Our war heroes who fought for our country so we could be free are saluted on this holiday. While we commemorate the lives of men and women, let’s not forget the lives of animals who have served our country.
Tens of thousands of War Dogs served in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. They continue to serve our country to this day.
Sgt. Stubby
One of the most decorated dogs in war history is Sgt. Stubby, a pit bull terrier. Sgt. Stubby served in WWI and was awarded many medals including the Purple Heart. “He delivered early warnings of gas attacks and woke sleeping sentry to alert them to German attack. Sgt Stubby died in in 1926 in his owner’s arms after being smuggled back to the US following his time in France.” His body was preserved via taxidermy and can be seen in The Price of Freedom: Americans at War exhibit at the Smithsonian.
Nemo, the War Dog – Hero Dog photo courtesy of foreignpolicy.com
Nemo The War Dog: Nemo was the first dog to return from the Vietnam war. He was sent to Vietnam in 1964 shortly after being shipped to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.
The four thousand dogs used in the Vietnam War were either left behind or euthanized. They were classified as equipment and “expendable.” Nemo was the first dog to return from this war. Because of Nemo and other dogs, Vietcong units were unsuccessful at their invasion of their base. Sadly, three war dogs and their handlers lost their lives during the seven hours of hard fighting. The following night, Nemo and his handler were shot. Nemo was shot under his right eye with the bullet exiting his mouth. Nemo didn’t let this stop him from attacking the four Vietcong who had shot him. Because of Nemo’s actions, his handler was able to radio for help.
Nemo lost his right eye despite emergency medical care and thus ended his wartime duty. He was flown back to the states where he lived out the rest of his life.
Cairo, the War Dog who was used to kill Osama Bin Laden
One of the most famous War Dogs is Cairo, a tracking dog. He was a member of the SEAL Team 6. Cairo and 23 other SEALS flew into Pakistan to find Osama Bin Laden. Their mission was of course successful.
Dogs were unofficially used in the Civil War and were officially started during World War II. They have saved thousands of lives while putting their lives on the line for their handlers and our country. They are often on the front line and can and have been the first casualties.
While we remember our service men and women today, let’s not forget ALL War Dogs who have lost their lives for our country.
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See pit bulls are used for good. I wish more people could see the good in pit bulls. Sergeant Stubby is a perfect example of a pit bull at its best. We lost a lot of canine war heroes as well as servicemen and women and this day is for all of them.
God bless our canine and human war heroes. Too many have lost their lives.
I don’t hear anyone talk about the dogs for memorial day. They lose their lives too. Their lives are as important as humans. What they did in the Vietnam war was cruel. Leaving them over there with God knows what happened to them. Plus, they were euthanized. They are heroes and they were killed. I’m so elated they are treated very differently and allowed to live after they serve and many times with the soldier they were with. God bless all of them.
Love it that Sgt. Stubby was a pit bull! There you go all you pittie haters. He earned many medals. Pit bulls are good dogs. They need to be in the right hands. People abuse and use them and end up in dog fighting al lot. If they were treated right by the right people, you wouldn’t hear so many nightmare stories about them. Look at the people who own them before you judge them!
Agreed!
Thank you for remembering our canine war heroes!! Kudos to you!
Bravo to our dog heroes!!
It’s great to remember what dogs have done to save human lives. Somehow, their role got lost at the time.