There are hundreds of books about human war heroes: pilots, sailors, infantrymen. War Dogs is the first comprehensive book about canine heroes. Michael Lemish has collected astonishing true stories and scores of rare, compelling photographs showing the contributions that dogs have made to America's defense since World War I. They illustrate well the strong bonds between dogs and their masters who have worked together to save thousands of lives during wartime.
Collectively known as the K9 corps, military working dogs have led patrols, sniffed out poison gas and booby traps, defended base perimeters, pulled sleds, led rescue teams to the wounded, located caves and bunkers used by enemy soldiers - and even parachuted into combat. Meet Stubby, the legendary "Hero Dog" of the World War I trenches. Find out why thousands of families donated their dogs during World War II and why the Viet Cong placed a bounty upon war dogs and their handlers during the Vietnam War. Learn about the plan during the 1950s to have dogs carry tactical nuclear weapons. Read about York, the scout dog who led Americans on 148 patrols during the Korean War without a single casualty.
War Dogs is about the many different breeds - terriers, beagles, German shepherds, collies, Labradors, huskies, Dobermans, and others - that have been thrust into dangerous situations in the nation's service. Anyone who has ever loved a dog will love this revealing anecdotal history, a salute to America's unsung four-legged heroes.

Michael G. Lemish is the official historian for the Vietnam Dog Handler Association.