Part of our mission is to honor the legacy and service of our nation’s war dogs from history. Many young dog handlers are encouraged to become familiar with the service and sacrifice of their K-9 brothers and sisters from bygone conflicts, in order to learn from – and be inspired by – their unique stories.

From our official start in WWII, if there were American boots on the ground then K-9 had a mission to support. We adjusted our capabilities to meet the threats we were facing, from the island-hopping campaigns and European theater of WWII to the frozen tundra of Korea. The jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of the Middle East. 

Thanks to K-9 historian Mike Lemish, we have compiled a comprehensive – yet accessible – overview of the K-9 experience during key conflicts in our recent history. The accounts are designed to be read by anyone with an interest in K-9 history and progress.