Patriotic Dog Names

During the Vietnam War, over 4,000 patriotic dogs served, but only 200 were allowed to come home when the war ended. Nemo, a large German Shepherd, was one of the lucky dogs who was brought back to the United States after he fearlessly saved his owner. 

Nemo was born in 1962. He entered the Air Force in 1964. The dog completed an eight-week training course and was assigned to handler Airman Bryant. For two years, the duo was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington state. In 1966, they were sent to Vietnam. 

The dog and his handler were stationed with the 377th Security Police Squadron. Bryant served six months with Nemo but then he was sent back to the United States, and Nemo remained. The canine was given to Airman 2nd Class Robert Throneburg. 

In December of 1966, Nemo and his new handler found themselves on patrol a few miles from the base. The soon came under attack from enemy troops. During the battle, Nemo was shot beneath his eye, with the bullet exiting his mouth. Throneburg was shot in the shoulder and fell to the ground. 

Despite Nemo's injuries, he continued to defend his handler so that Throneburg could radio for help. Nemo crawled to Throneburg's body and placed himself on top of his handler in an attempt to protect him until aid arrived. 

The veterinarian at the base was able to save Nemo from his severe gunshot wound. The dog was again placed on patrol, but his health took a downward spiral. His injury was extreme, and he required additional care so it was decided that the dog would be sent back to the United States. Nemo came back to the U.S. with military honors. He was the first sentry dog ever granted full retirement. 

For several years, Nemo participated in recruitment advertisements to attain dogs for the war effort. As the war started to wind down, Nemo was given his private kennel in Texas for his retirement. 

Nemo died before Christmas in 1972. Efforts were made to preserve the dog's body so it could be forever immortalized as a part of history but the attempts failed and Nemo was laid to rest. His kennel was made into a permanent memorial in honor of the dog's fearless and proud patriotism and service to his country.