"Their payment for this effort is the satisfaction they get from contributing to the war effort and the promotion of their breed..." - Marine Spokesman, Washington, 1943
Devil Dog Canines:
A Line of Communication in WW2
History
"Devil Dog" Origin
"Devil Dog" or "Teuful Hunden" is a nickname given by the German soldiers in World War I to the United States Marines due to their ferocity and tenacious fighting spirit. This pet name was eventually shared with the Marine canines.
A Doberman and his handler, 1944, Orange County Register
The U.S. Marine Corps is a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces that works with the U.S. Naval Forces in protecting the U.S. interests anywhere in the world. They are considered as the nation's 911 force because they are always ready to respond to any international crises.
The Start of the K-9 Corps
Before World War II, the United States was one of the few countries without a war dog program. Countries like Germany and Russia had already been using canines in war as scouts, messengers, and medic assistants. The United States, however, could not be convinced that dogs would be useful in war and refused efforts to create a war dog program until the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. The patriotic civilians and dog enthusiasts began a movement to convince the military to use dogs.
"A trained dog is better than three or even more men."
- Lieutenant Colonel Clifford C. Smith, 1942
With the help of the American Kennel Club and the Dogs for Defense organization, the first canine army (called K-9 Corps) was recruited.
Marilyn Clark and her dog in a "Dogs For Defense" newspaper, 1943, Armed Force History
"Dogs For Defense" logo, 1942, Dogs For Defense Website
"Dogs For Defense" poster, 1942, Dogs For Defense Website
Recruited dogs would be enrolled into two-week basic training. After passing the final exams, the dogs moved on to specialized training and later, they would be classified as either scout or messenger dogs.
The 1st Marine War Dog Platoon’s messenger unit was made up of two German Shepherds and one Belgian Shepherd. These dogs were Caesar, Jack, and Thor. German and Belgian Shepherds were mainly used as messengers due to their intelligence, loyalty, dedication, tenacity, and adaptability to almost any climatic condition.
Use of War Dogs, U.S. 1943, National Archives
Messenger dogs in action, Use of War Dogs, 1943, National Archives