Dog Tags of Courage: Combat Infantrymen And War Dog Heroes in Vietnam [Hardcover]

John C. Burnam (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2005

This is the remarkable, little-known story of 4,000 superbly trained German shepherds and their human handlers, whose combined efforts saved countless lives in the Vietnam War. It is an authentic account, seen through the eyes of a teenage American combat infantryman who served two tours of duty as a scout-dog handler. John Burnam explores the almost mystical bond that developed between 10,000 valorous young soldiers and their extraordinary canine teammates. Burnam compassionately portrays scenes of battle and conveys the overwhelming emotions of the men who, at war's end, were forced to abandon thousands of these greathearted animals to whatever fate might befall them.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 338 pages
• Publisher: Lost Coast Press; 2 edition (October 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1882897889
• ISBN-13: 978-1882897889
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,095,077 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unsung Heroes of the Vietnam War, February 3, 2007

By 

Nancy West (New York, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dog Tags of Courage: Combat Infantrymen And War Dog Heroes in Vietnam (Hardcover)

It can be argued that, as a nation, America rushed to forget about the experience in Vietnam. As a result, many heroic acts often went unsung. John Burnam's moving book takes the reader back to a difficult time in our history to share the unique stories of a special group of heroes-- the Vietnam dog handlers and their canine partners. Burnam's conversational accounts of incredible war time situations is both eye-opening and hair-raising. Sadly, the reader also learns the chilling truth about how our government and military callously forgot the dogs of Vietnam. Their handlers, however, never forgot. Soldiers like Ron Aiello(US Marine Corps Scout-dog handler) never forgot how the dogs often saved soldier's lives. (You can read how Aiello's own life was saved by his female German shepherd partner, Smokey, on page 281.) In 2000 Aiello founded the U.S. War Dogs Association and spear-headed the drive to honor the Vietnam war dogs and their handlers with a bronze sculpture that now stands in Holmdel, New Jersey. Readers may also be surprised to learn that military dogs continue to protect and save lives today in Afghganistan and Iraq. The chapter on the rescued Iraqi dog recruited by Special Forces Sergeant First Class Russell Joyce for sentry duty ("Fluffy") is uplifting and inspiring.

Burnam's book is a great read. His telling of his relationship with his partner "Clipper" is poignant and ultimately heart-wrenching. The personal accounts and military details also make it an interesting historical record. But perhaps more than anything, it is a moving tribute to some very special heroes who's bravery and good deeds should never be forgotten.(And don't forget to read with a box of tissue--you'll need it!)

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping tale of one man's journey in a distant land, during difficult times, November 29, 2005

By 

L. Fisher (Gainesville, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dog Tags of Courage: Combat Infantrymen And War Dog Heroes in Vietnam (Hardcover)

I was thoroughly enthrawled and entertained while reading this well-told story. It is precise, matter-of-fact and compelling. I highly recommend this book to anyone who owns a dog, loves animals, or wants to see what it was like to be an infantryman during a very trying and difficult war. Mr. Burnam tells it like it was, and shows what it means and what it takes to be a dog-handler during the Vietnam war. Good book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A look into the life of a war dog and handlers, November 23, 2005

By 

Harold McFarland (Florida) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dog Tags of Courage: Combat Infantrymen And War Dog Heroes in Vietnam (Hardcover)

War dogs have been used in military actions for many years. This is the story of author John C. Burnam's experiences as a dog handler in Vietnam. These dogs saved countless lives as their keen senses of hearing and smell alerted their handler to danger long before the handler would have become aware of it. And, of course, many of the dogs also lost their lives in the line of duty. This is a very personal look at the special relationship between dog and handler and the brotherhood of all those who were dog handlers in a military action. Filled with pictures taken during the Vietnam action, it includes the sad story of the abandonment of thousands of dogs at the end of the war. For anyone who has an interest in the ways dogs have helped military actions, the bond between handlers and dogs, the courage and dedication of war dogs, or just the recent history of war dogs Dog Tags of Courage is a recommended read.