The Duke Dogs of World War II: A True Story of Courage and Sacrifice

The Duke Dogs were a group of specially trained dogs that served in the United States Army during World War II. These dogs were used for a variety of purposes, including tracking, scouting, and mine detection. The Duke Dogs played a vital role in the Allied victory, and their story is one of courage, sacrifice, and loyalty.

Duke (Dogs of World War II)

by Kirby Larson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11152 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	243 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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The History of the Duke Dogs

The Duke Dogs were named after Duke University, where their training program was developed. The program was started in 1942 by Dr. William H. Drury, a professor of physiology at Duke. Drury had been working with dogs for several years, and he believed that they could be trained to perform a variety of tasks that would be useful in wartime.

The Duke Dog training program was rigorous and demanding. The dogs were taught to track scents, scout ahead of troops, and detect mines. They were also trained to obey commands in both English and German.

By the end of the war, over 10,000 Duke Dogs had been trained and deployed to serve with the United States Army. These dogs served in all theaters of war, and they played a significant role in the Allied victory.

The Duke Dogs in Action

The Duke Dogs performed a variety of important tasks during World War II. They were used to:

• Track enemy soldiers
• Scout ahead of troops
• Detect mines
• Carry messages
• Provide companionship to soldiers

The Duke Dogs were often used in dangerous and difficult situations. They were frequently sent into enemy territory to gather intelligence or to locate enemy positions. They also played a vital role in mine detection, helping to clear paths for troops and vehicles.

The Duke Dogs were known for their courage and loyalty. They were often willing to risk their own lives to protect their handlers. Many Duke Dogs were killed in action, and others were injured. However, their sacrifices helped to save countless lives and to bring about the Allied victory.

The Legacy of the Duke Dogs

The Duke Dogs played a significant role in the Allied victory in World War II. Their courage, sacrifice, and loyalty have been an inspiration to generations of Americans. Today, the Duke Dogs are remembered as heroes, and their legacy continues to live on.

There are several memorials to the Duke Dogs around the United States. The most famous of these is the Duke Dog Memorial in Washington, D.C. This memorial was dedicated in 1999, and it features a bronze statue of a Duke Dog and its handler. The memorial is a reminder of the important role that these dogs played in the war, and it is a tribute to their courage and sacrifice.

The Duke Dogs of World War II were a group of extraordinary dogs that played a vital role in the Allied victory. Their courage, sacrifice, and loyalty were an inspiration to generations of Americans, and their legacy continues to live on today.

Duke (Dogs of World War II)

by Kirby Larson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11152 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	243 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE