On this Memorial Day weekend as we honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice, we also remember our smallest soldiers who selflessly served our country. Dogs have served alongside US soldiers during every major conflict since the American Revolution to the present day. Yet more often than not their names have been forgotten to time. However, across the country there are monuments erected in loving memory to these unsung heroes of war.
Prior to World War II, dogs were providing support to our troops in a variety of unofficial ways including carrying messages, pulling carts with supplies, and as mascots. At Gettysburg, Pennsylvania among the 1200 Civil War monuments, there is a touching memorial to Sallie. Sallie was given as a puppy to the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and accompanied them into battle. Sallie would stand firm in her position at the end of the firing line, while barking at the Confederate troops. During the battle at Gettysburg, she was separated from her regiment, but was later found standing vigil over her fallen and injured comrades. Sallie continued to serve until her death at the Battle of Hatcher’s Run, where despite being in the heat of battle, soldiers stopped to bury her. It was the wishes of the surviving members of the 11th Pennsylvania that Sallie be included in their moment at Gettysburg. Although there are two monuments with dogs at Gettysburg, Sallie is the only dog depicted who actually participated in that battle.
The US Marine Corps officially began training dogs for use in battle during WWII with the creation of the US Army K9 Corps. Recognizing the value of their beloved pets, during this period many families wrote directly to all branches of the US military to offer their dogs on a voluntary donation basis. This included the family of Major Frank Dunn, who offered the services of their dog Derek. Derek served with the US Marine Corps in the Pacific from 1944 to 1945. During his service, Derek was wounded twice and promoted to Corporal. Following the war Corporal Derek returned to the Dunn family, and lived a peaceful and happy life until his death in 1952. Nestled in a quiet corner of the Hillside Acre Animal Cemetery in Methuen, Massachusetts, is the final resting place for Corporal Derek, along with Brenda, who served with the US Coast Guard, and Yessi. Throughout this tranquil cemetery there are additional graves for K9 veterans who selflessly served our country.
During the Vietnam War there were approximately 5,000 dogs serving alongside the soldiers. American forces used these dogs for everything from base security, to detecting ambushes, to hunting down fleeing enemy soldiers. It is estimated that these K9 units saved over 10,000 human lives. To honor their service, the American Legion Post 114 of Barrington, New Hampshire, erected a simple yet touching monument in Pine Grove Cemetery, “In Memory of Those War Dogs Who Were Truly Man’s Best Friend.”
More recently in recognition of our country’s smallest soldiers, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals who owns and operates Hillside Acre Animal Cemetery has created the Heroes at Hillside program. Heroes at Hillside offers free private cremation and burial at Hillside Acre for any Military War Dog, whether killed in action or adopted post-service. Corporal Max is the first Military K9 to be buried near the newest War Dog Memorial located in the front of Hillside Cemetery. Max served the US Air Force from 2003 to 2007 as an explosive detection dog. After retirement, he enjoyed a quiet life, but never lost his fiercely loyal and protective nature. Corporal Max passed away on Memorial Day in 2012.
So please on Memorial Day take a moment to pause and remember these unsung heroes, who selflessly served our country. For a detailed list of War Dog Memorials in the United States, please visit the Vietnam Dog Handler Association.
