THE DOGS OF THE VIETNAM WAR:
CELEBRATING NEMO & THE THOUSANDS LEFT BEHIND
As Paws of War marks the 250th year of American independence, we are also celebrating our own 12th anniversary of supporting veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and the animals who have served them so faithfully throughout our history.
The Vietnam War marks the last major conflict in which American military dogs were left behind. Approximately 4,000 to 5,000 dogs served during the war, yet only 200 to 300 made it back home. Paws of War is dedicated to ensuring that no animal—whether a working military dog or a stray adopted by a service member overseas—is ever left behind.
The passage of Robby's Law in 2000, enacted after years of advocacy and outrage from military dog handlers over the fate of these animals, changed that legacy. Many dogs who served during the conflict were euthanized or turned over to South Vietnamese forces. Robby's Law ensured that retired U.S. military dogs could be legally adopted. Never again would military dogs be treated as expendable equipment.
During the 19-year conflict, these dogs were credited with saving more than 10,000 American lives. They served as trackers, scouts, sentries, and water patrol dogs, helping to prevent ambushes, uncover saboteurs, expose underground tunnels, and detect enemy divers.
One of the most celebrated examples of their courage is Nemo, a German Shepherd who served as a sentry dog. Nemo was on patrol at Tan Son Nhut Air Base following a major Viet Cong infiltration of the area. As he and his handler, Airman Second Class Robert Throneburg, patrolled the base perimeter, Nemo silently signaled that danger was near.
A firefight erupted with a small group of Viet Cong guerrillas attempting a surprise attack. Throneburg released Nemo and engaged the enemy, fatally shooting two guerrillas. During the exchange, both handler and dog were struck by gunfire. Throneburg suffered a serious shoulder wound that rendered him unconscious, while Nemo was shot through the right eye, with the bullet exiting through his nose.
Despite his devastating injuries, Nemo returned to Throneburg's side, positioning himself over his handler to protect him and driving away anyone who approached. A base veterinarian reportedly struggled to persuade Nemo to move so that medics could reach and treat the wounded airman.
Both survived. Nemo's extraordinary heroism was so remarkable that the Air Force broke tradition by retiring him with honors. He was brought home to the United States, where he served as a military recruitment dog until his death in 1972. His courage, loyalty, and sacrifice became a powerful inspiration for the legislation that would eventually protect retired military working dogs.
Nemo remains an inspiration to Paws of War, embodying everything we know about the dedication, service, and devotion of animals. His story drives our mission and reminds us that, as Americans celebrate our nation's history, the contributions of these remarkable animals should never be forgotten.
