Book Review: "Always Faithful: A Memoir of the Marine Dogs of WWII" by William W. Putney

Always Faithful: A Memoir of the Marine Dogs of WWII by William W. Putney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amazon Description

"As a twenty-three-year-old veterinarian, William W. Putney joined the Marine Corps at the height of World War II. He commanded the Third Dog Platoon during the battle for Guam and later served as chief veterinarian and commanding officer of the War Dog Training School, where he helped train former pets for war in the Pacific. After the war, he fought successfully to have USMC war dogs returned to their civilian owners."

"Always Faithful is Putney’s celebration of the four-legged soldiers that he both commanded and followed. It is a tale of immense courage as well as of incredible sacrifice. For anyone who has ever read Old Yeller or the books of Jack London, here is a real-life story that rivals any fiction. At once a wistful tribute and a stirring adventure, Always Faithful will enthrall readers with one of the great animal stories of all time."

This is such an extraordinary account of the role that Marine Dogs played in WWII. More than that, this a heartwarming and, at times, a heartbreaking journey that explains how the bond between a soldier and his dog was forged from training through deployment and then battle. Dr. Putney's role in the training and care of these dogs was crucial in the success of the Marine War Dogs Corps. Throughout history dogs have served gallantly in battle and during the deadly battles that took place in Guam during World War II, the Marine Dogs played such a crucial part in achieving victory for the Allies. Their role in scouting, carrying messages, detecting mines, guarding camps and attacking the enemy was invaluable to the troops. More than 550 patrols on the island of Guam were led by these dogs and not one patrol was ambushed. Unfortunately, that success record came at a cost of canine lives and those tales are the ones that are so heartbreaking.

At the end of the war, Dr. Putney led the crusade to have the surviving service dogs returned home to the families who had selflessly offered their pets to the military to help win the war. His efforts were rewarded and he led the program of "detraining" the canine veterans and reuniting them with their owners. There are great photos in the book including the memorial at the War Dog Cemetery at the U.S. Naval Base at Orote Point, Guam dedicated in 1994 by Dr. Putney to the 25 Marine War Dogs who gave their lives liberating Guam.