10 photos of war dogs

On Sunday, December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Despite America’s efforts to remain out of the conflict that ravaged Europe and much of the world, the action promptly brought the United States into World War II. The war ended with Japan’s surrender on September 2, 1945.

In addition to the men and women who served in uniform, war dogs also played various roles in the conflict. Whether it was transporting messages or supplies, detecting traps and poison gas, or helping hunt down the enemy, their contributions shouldn’t be overlooked.

A national monument to honor war dogs is slated to open in San Antonio, Texas, in 2013.

For more on dogs and the invaluable role they played in World War II (and other conflicts), check out the following books:

Always Faithful: A Memoir of the Marine Dogs of WWII

Buddies: Men, Dogs and World War II

Dogs of War: The Stories of FDR's Fala, Patton's Willie, and Ike's Telek

Sea Dog Bamse: World War II Canine Hero

Soldier Dogs

U.S. Military War Dogs in World War II