Cracker!: The Best Dog in Vietnam

by Cynthia Kadohata

  War Dogs With Their Handlers in the Vietnam Era

  Dog Handler Mike Lister and Dutchy of the 25th IPSD on obstacle course in Tay Ninh, 1969. The 25th IPSD was assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry Division. (Photo by Peter Nelson)

  Dog handler Ollie Whetstone (44th IPSD) writing a letter home as his dog, Eric (36X3), watches after the famous Battle of LZ Gold in March 1967. (Photo courtesy of Ollie Whetstone)

  Dogs in training in An Khe, Vietnam. (Photo by Robert Russell)

  Sergeant Tom Sykes and his partner, Royal, of the army’s 48th IPSD, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Photo taken in 1968 while at the unit’s base camp located on Landing Zone Baldy. (Photo by Cecil Pendleton)

  Big Boy and his handler, Rick Claggett, in front of the sign for their unit. Photo taken in Vietnam in 1971. (Photo courtesy of Rick Claggett)