War Dogs

by Lemish, Michael G.

• ISBN13: 9781574882162
• ISBN10: 1574882163
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-11-01
• Publisher: Potomac Books Inc

Summary

Now in trade paperback, War Dogsprovides an eye-opening look at unsung canine heroes from World War I to the present. Terriers, shepherds, beagles, collies, huskies, and Dobermans are only a few of the breeds that have pulled sleds, searched caves and bunkers, and even parachuted into combat. Michael Lemish has collected true stories and rare photographs that reflect the strong bonds that have formed between war dogs and their masters as they worked together in dangerous situations. Anyone who has ever loved a dog will love this salute to these four-legged heroes.

Author Biography

Michael G. Lemish is the official historian for the Vietnam Dog Handler Association. A member of the National Association for Search and Rescue, Lemish is involved in canine SAR activities. He lives in Westborough, Massachusetts, with his wife, son, and their golden retriever.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Origins of the Modern Military Working Dog	1	(10)
A Historical Perspective	1	(4)
Early American Ideas	5	(6)
The World War I Experience	11	(22)
The Mercy Dogs 1914--1918	11	(6)
Fleet-footed Messengers	17	(4)
Final Participant	21	(3)
Stubby: American Mascot Hero	24	(4)
Aftermath	28	(2)
Between the Wars	30	(3)
Starting from Scratch	33	(40)
Another War and Still No Dogs	33	(2)
The Volunteer Effort	35	(6)
Establishment of War Dog Centers	41	(6)
Guarding the Home Front	47	(6)
Cat Island	53	(6)
Marine Devildogs	59	(5)
Search and Rescue	64	(9)
Ready for Combat	73	(76)
Chips	73	(5)
Focus on Tactical Dogs	78	(16)
M-dogs: Experimental Failure	94	(3)
Bougainville	97	(6)
CBI Detachment	103	(7)
European Operations	110	(7)
The Pacific Battles	117	(25)
Return of the Canine Veterans	142	(7)
Postwar and Korea	149	(18)
Official Chaos	149	(3)
Into Battle Again	152	(6)
Yankee--Take Your Dog and Go Home!	158	(3)
Enter the Air Force	161	(6)
The Vietnam Saga	167	(72)
War on the Horizon	167	(5)
On Guard against the VC	172	(10)
Return of the Scout Dogs	182	(15)
The M-dog Returns	197	(9)
Hunting the Viet Cong	206	(8)
The Superdog Program	214	(3)
Four-Footed Radar	217	(5)
The Hostile Environment	222	(8)
Exile	230	(9)
Lessons Learned	239	(16)
The Vietnam Experience	239	(5)
Changing Times	244	(11)
Epilogue	255	(4)
Endnotes	259	(14)
Bibliography	273	(4)
Index	277