Duke 759E was one of the first dogs in Vietnam. He was brought to Nam by John Merstock, 1966-67 to the 633rd at Pleiku Air Base. He was handled at Pleiku by Ken Smerecki (Cira . 68-69). He was transferred to the 35th SPS at Phan Rang Air Base. His last handler was Bob Hubbard, 1970-71.  He was euthanized two months after Hubbard left Viet Nam. He was donated to the military by Floyd Campbell, Winston-Salem, NC  in 1966.

 Photo and caption information provided by Robert Hubbard and Ken Smerecki.

Return To Phan Rang Air Base

At the end of the American cavalry era, the Army disposed of its horses by machine gunning them to death. In our war, the dogs were treated the same way. Only it was done in a more “humane” manner. Some excess dogs were reassigned to other bases but most were killed. The US Military has pledged never  to dispose of military working dogs in such a  manner again.  A change in the law now allows  military dogs to be retired after their service is completed. 

Please read  Death of a Warrior .