THE UNSUNG WAR HEROES:
BUDDA, A K-9 SOLDIER’S STORY
Budda
It’s a little known fact (and I didn’t even know this myself until my wife suggested I research the subject) that over 4000 dogs were sent to Vietnam, and were trained by their handlers to sniff out booby traps, trip wires, enemy tunnels, guard air bases, and much more. It has been estimated that these canine heroes saved as many as 10,000 American’s lives.
One of the more moving stories I researched concerned the life and career of a German shepherd named Budda. He served 5 years with the 39th Infantry Platoon (Scout Dog) of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. I’m not sure I can put it into words, but I found something in his story hauntingly familiar. The following highly edited story is in Budda’s own words. The entire story of Budda’s army career, which runs about five pages long, can be found on the internet at: http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/backspace/1818/budda.htm
“IF I COULD ONLY TALK"
“My military career began in late 1965 when Sgt. Bob Brown was assigned to me at the 173rd Airborne Brigade at Bien Hoa. Our first combat mission was during Operation Toledo in August 1966. When we returned to the kennels after the 28 day operation, Sgt. Brown was awarded his Combat Infantryman’s badge. Although we dogs were not eligible for military awards or decorations, he still passed along his appreciation of a job well done."
“Our lives then became a whirlwind of missions. Brownie (as I now referred to Sgt. Brown) and I had become inseparably buddies. We trusted each other completely. That bond was our means of survival. Sadly, after returning home from one of these missions, I got the shock of my life. Brownie, it seems, would be going home. After all we had been through together, we were being broken up. My handler for the past 15 months was now under direct orders to stay away and to have no further contact with me. They said it was to prepare me for Brownie’s replacement."
“My next handler was an OK kind of guy, as were all of those that followed. We all worked hard, but the personal chemistry just wasn’t the same. Brownie would be part of me forever. The summer and fall of 1967 were especially rough. The 173rd was moved north first into Pleiku Province, and later further into Kontum. It was here in the hills above Dak To that we were in the middle of some of the most vicious fighting of the war. Many of my friends and handlers became casualties there. The remainder of 1968 and 1969 was spent patrolling near Highway 19, the main artery into the Western sector of the highlands from the coastal plains."
“And then things got a little easier for me. Long days on point left me tired at night and stiff the next morning. I was grumpy and the platoon all knew it. It was determined that it was time for me to retire. A platoon Sargent, SFC Kelly, took a liking to me and would take me out for walks and some exercise. I only bit him once. After all, I still had an image to maintain. I was a seasoned veteran and a survivor. But by now I was a little overweight and turning slightly gray. It didn’t worry me though; most of the handlers would be in similar shape when they retire."
“Then one day in 1971 I noticed a different mood around the kennels. Many of the other dogs were being put into their crates and loaded onto a truck. I eagerly followed because I thought we were finally going home. That would be great. We all deserved a break after all we had done."
“We were taken to a nearby airbase where there were many dogs from all over the country. There were Scouts, Trackers, and Sentry dogs all together. I guess we were really going to be shipped back home. I thought to myself that maybe they’ll send me home to my old buddy Brownie. I wonder if he thinks about me as much as I think about him. Does he remember all that we’d been through together? I’m so excited I can hardly stand still. In the veterinary clinic, I couldn’t understand why everyone was crying. Just give me my discharge papers and vaccinations and get me on that plane home; I can hardly wait."
“In all of my excitement I barely felt the needle. I was used to them anyway. It feels just like the tranquilizer shot that we got before we left America on the plane ride over here way back in July of ’66. I feel a little sleepy all of a sudden. I think I’ll lie down and rest here. It seems to be getting darker. Will Brownie remember me? I feel numb! I think I’ll rest awhile and think of what it will be like to be home. I’m tired. I . . .”
Budda’s story was written by: R. “Pete” Peters, 39th Infantry Platoon (Scout Dog) Vietnam, March 1966 - July 1967.
PLEASE NOTE: Budda (4A82) bravely served his country for the human equivalent of over 40 years. During his time in Vietnam he had 8 handlers, all of whom survived to return home. He had 5 confirmed enemy kills I close combat. He protected and saved the lives of uncountable numbers of American servicemen. For all of this, his government awarded him the death penalty.
Copyright 2006 by Richard Orzeck, DVM. The
information in this article is based upon the author’s personal
experiences, his opinions, and his best interpretation of the data at
the time of writing. It is not intended to render veterinary advice or
service. Specific needs and questions concerning your pet’s health
should always, always, always, be addressed by his or her best friend,
their local veterinarian.