US Marine Corps K-9 Monuments

The contribution of canines to the United States Marine Corps does not go unnoticed. For those who wish to pay their respects, or merely wish to learn about the canine members of the Marines, there are several monuments built to honor these dogs, particularly those who served in Guam during World War II.
  1. Guam War Dog Memorial

    • Near the United States Naval Station in Guam is a memorial and cemetery that honors the lives of several dogs who served Marines during the Second World War. Twenty five dogs in Guam, mostly Dobermans, lost their lives in the battle to liberate the island. After the fighting, the dogs' bodies were taken back to the initial invasion point at Asan and buried there. In 1994, a large black monument, complete with all the names of the deceased dogs, has been erected to honor the sacrifice made by these animals.

      Guam War Dog Memorial and Cemetary
      US Naval Base Guam
      PSC 455 Box 4
      FPO AP 96540-1004

    University of Tennessee War Dog Memorial

    • For those who cannot make it to the official memorial in Guam, the University of Tennessee's School of Veterinary Medicine houses an exact replica of the memorial in Knoxville. The monument, which was donated by Dr. Maurice Acree on July 17, 1998, is featured in a prominent place on campus so that any visitors to the Veterinary School may learn about the acts of the 3rd Marine War Dog Platoon. Dr. William Putney, retired commanding officer of the platoon, was in attendance of the memorial in 1998.

      War Dog Memorial
      College of Veterinary Medicine
      University of Tennessee
      2407 River Drive
      Knoxville, TN 37996-4550
      865-974-1000

    Auburn University War Dog Memorial

    • Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine also has a memorial to the 3rd Marine War Dog Platoon. Betsey Putney, who was inspired by the work of her husband, William Putney, donated the memorial. Dr. Putney was not only the commanding officer of the 3rd Marine War Dog Platoon, he was also an alumnus of Auburn University. Susan Bahary, who also sculpted the original memorial in Guam, sculpted the Auburn Memorial. Commandant Carl Mundy and Dale Quillen and World War II dog handlers Bruce Wellington and Thurman Clark dedicated the memorial in 2005.

      War Dog Memorial
      College of Veterinary Medicine
      Auburn University
      Auburn, Alabama 36849
      334-844-4546