Just ran across this interview. Welcome home brother. I spent 19 months in country as a Sentry Dog Handler, we don't get the attention that Scout dog Handlers get, and they deserve it, but we had our moments.
I was a grunt in Vietnam 1971. We liked when a scout dog was with us. It was important to have sensitive ears and senses to protect from VC or NVA. We only had a scout dog a few times. Most of the time we didn't have a dog with us. We felt we had an advantage with the dog.
I had a friend who was a dog handler in the Air Force, I was in the Army. His dog was so well trained that if my friend had to go in a building on business his dog was given the command to stay and he would stay there for as long as it took for his handler to return. All day long if necessary.
Yea....I was there too...we all loved the dogs.... especially the females in estrus....we would take turns with them releasing our precious bodily fluids deep up their doggy nether zones..it helped to let them lap up a few beers before shooting our little guns....of course most gruntards were totally stoned before going into combat....to this day whenever I see a German Shepherd I get a passionate boner. Sumpter fiy panti boy.
My first command was 51st Infantry Platoon (Scout Dog) at Ft Benning 1972. All the dogs were RVN vets. A really good off leash scout dog is a wonder to behold. Praise and repetition was the key. Some great memories.
Like the facets on a diamond. Another look at a different service man and his particular job. Well done interview and thank you Mr. Thomsen, thank you.
what stuns me is listening to these interviews is you think the talk has only been going for ten minutes or so and no is been gong for 30 plus minutes a sign of a good interviewer and an even better interviewee. kudos to this series a very very important part of your history that needs to be recorded.
Had to be fulfilling to actually do what you were trained for over there. Sounds like that was not the norm for so many. ((Hugs)) thank you for making it home❤️🙏
Thanks for a great interview and sharing your experience Mr. Thomsen. Once youve had a German Shepherd, you never want anything else. GSD's are exceptionally intelligent. They are so smart, they also recognize when they are being abused or neglected, which will make them develop an attitude and they will get mean. They are not just a dog you can feed everyday and ignore. They want to be a part of the family and included in everything you do..
I have watched a lot of your interviews…your line of questions are spot on…they illicit honest, genuine and beautiful responses…I missed Vietnam because of my younger age (born 1954)…but it was always on my mind all the way through Saigon and Pol Pot…so just to say…your interviews are beautiful. Thanks.
Yes. Very interesting interview. I honestly did not know about the significance/military service of dog handlers or dogs in general in Vietnam. Thank you sir for your service. And thank you for your interview regarding this subject. Mile high salute. ✌️
Even as a Canadian, I have developed a real taste for this series of interviews. Great concept, thoughtfully executed. Most are so humble, almost dismissive of their contributions. Kudos ! One question missing from this particular interview, though. Did the dog develop a taste for C-Rats ?
I took my Basic Training at Ft Ord, Cal too, July 1968. I got drafted for two year. I was numb the whole time I was there. I was making good money in 1968. My first pay check I got from the Army was $98.00, a month. My car payment alone was four hundred plus a month.
Whether it’s dog or horse, be attentive to its ears and body language. They won’t lie to you. They see, hear and smell stuff you can’t. Could be a snake, lion or bear.
Thank you for sharing your story ,, please keep in mind the people that are thanking you for your service either were children like myself or were not even born yet at the time you were serving please don't have ill feelings towards us
And then the government left these dogs behind. Only used them, just like they used the soldiers. The dogs were given to the Vietnamese wich tortured, slaughtered and ate them. Or just abandoned. Incredible
I Just started watching this interview. Hope he doesn't tell folks about what happened to all the dogs we left behind when we bugged out. That would be a bummer for everyone watching.
Disgracefull wasnt it..... so unnecessary and so terrible for the handlers.. shame on the U.S army for doing that.. think things have changed now though.. thank God.. bless all that serve...
Bobby Marlow I agree - I’ve watched a bunch of these interviews and they’re all fantastic. But with each one I’ve thought it would be great to see a photo of these guys in uniform.
The dog...what happend to the dog after the war..did he keep it? I would have forsure..never hear about the dogs, this was very interesting to me..im a German Shepard guy as well..super loyal, smart dogs and beautiful...
So dog don't know never saw it himself how come ??? I never saw it aswell , I have different ideas . Actually I am Aware there is device but I don't know what else he doesn't speak what he knows or saw , how the Fuck should I know ??? Because I am Peter ??? Come on ???
