[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO DOGS THAT HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE LINE OF DUTY WITH 
                            AMERICAN TROOPS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALLEN BOYD

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 12, 2001

  Mr. BOYD. Mr. Speaker, throughout history, the bravery and dedication 
demonstrated by soldiers has long been remembered. As a veteran of the 
Vietnam War, I wanted to take the time to recognize important, yet 
often forgotten, heroes of the United States of America.
  As you may know, dogs have gone through combat at the side of their 
masters or have been used in direct support of combat operations 
throughout the history of warfare. The Army Quartermasters Corps began 
the U.S. Armed Forces first war dog training during WW II and continued 
to employ trained dogs in Korea. In Vietnam, the U.S. Army was the 
largest employer of War Dogs of all the services and used Sentry, 
Scout, Tracker, Mine and Tunnel dogs.
  During my service in Vietnam as a rifle platoon leader in the 101st 
Airborne Division, I had many opportunities to work with these dogs and 
their handlers. More specifically, my unit was in service with the 48th 
Infantry Scout Dog Platoon during the Lam Son campaign in March of 
1971. These dogs were an integral part of our forces. They were trained 
to work in silence, provided early warnings of snipers, ambushes, 
mines, booby traps, and other dangers in the surrounding area. Scout 
Dog Teams were normally first in line when on patrol; our eyes and 
ears, our first line of protection.
  Although thousands of dogs have participated in the line of duty with 
American troops, they also provided a unique sense of comfort and 
protection for soldiers who were wounded or in need of assistance. 
Fiercely loyal to handlers and fellow troops, the military recognized 
the contributions and impact dogs had on war efforts. While there are 
ample examples of heroism displayed by these selfless canine 
combatants, I can recall one specific instance that demonstrates the 
relationship between the dogs and soldiers.
  On patrol one afternoon, the scout dog and his handler assigned to my 
group met with some trouble. The handler was seriously injured and 
needed to be medevaced out for immediate medical assistance. Attesting 
to the strength of the bond between dog and human, the handler 
expressed concern that the dog, who had been trained not to leave his 
side, would become uncontrollable without him. When the helicopter 
arrived it could not land and it had to lower a basket through the 
trees. When the soldier was being placed into the basket however, the 
dog incredibly followed. We watched with a strange mixture of sadness 
and relief as the pair was lifted to safety together.
  While these four legged heroes are unable to share their war stories 
with the American people, as a veteran that has personally experienced 
the positive impact of canine combatants, I want to share with you 
their glory, hardships, danger, and successes that are a touching yet 
significant aspect of American history.

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