World War II Woman

Dogs in Military Service

“Our pet dog was big and brown and beautiful and a wonderful watchdog, but he could not be trusted around strangers. He even bit my cousin. So our family got the idea that Mickey, our German Shepherd, could also do his part in the war. My father enrolled him in the Coast Guard and Mickey left home to patrol foreign beaches. My heart was broken on his leaving, but I can still remember how proud I was of my pet when he was killed in action. We received notification and an award from the Coast Guard as if he were a person.”

This quotation is from Peggy’s story in my book We Knew We Were at War: Women Remember World War II. Earlier this week, I mentioned that dogs were used in protecting beaches here in our country, as well as on foreign soil.

In checking the Internet, I have learned that dogs have served in various branches of the service and in many countries. The following articles are reported on the Coast Guard website - www.uscg/mil/history/Beach_Patrol_Photo_Index. - along with photos.

“SOMETHING NEW IN FOOTWEAR: ‘Dog-gone good shoes’ says Poncho, a Coast Guard dog, as Captain Raymond J. Mauerman (left), chief training officer of the Coast Guard Dog Patrol, puts a set of the new canvas boots on the dog.  The boots are designed to protect the Coast Guard Dog Patrol animals from sustaining cut feet from the oyster shells during the long treks along the nation’s beaches while on anti-saboteur beach patrol.”

“COAST GUARD DOG PATROL: Armed Coast Guardsmen, ready for action, start out on their vigilant patrols of America’s coastline with their keen and loyal canine partners.  On anti-saboteur patrol, dogs are playing a responsible part in guarding our shores from attempts of enemy spies and saboteurs to land on American beaches.” 

We regret the loss of Peggy’s dog in the service of our country and do appreciate his service and that of the many dogs that served.

For more about life during World War II, please go to www.peggeorge.com,

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