US Marines War Dog Teams, 28mm 1/56

During World War II, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) employed war dogs for various roles, primarily in the Pacific theater. These dogs played a crucial role in the war effort, serving as sentries, messengers, scouts, and even in combat roles.

Establishment of the War Dog Program: The USMC officially established its War Dog Program in 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Recognizing the need for enhanced security and reconnaissance capabilities, the Corps began training dogs for military service.

Training and Deployment: Dogs used by the USMC were typically German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Belgian Malinois, chosen for their intelligence, loyalty, and adaptability. They underwent rigorous training at facilities like the War Dog Reception and Training Center in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After training, they were deployed to various combat zones, particularly in the Pacific theater.

Roles in Combat: War dogs served in a variety of roles during combat operations. They were trained to detect enemy presence, patrol beaches, guard prisoners of war, and carry messages between units. Their acute senses of smell and hearing made them valuable assets in detecting ambushes and hidden enemies.

Island Campaigns: War dogs played a significant role in the island-hopping campaigns in the Pacific. During amphibious assaults on islands like Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, and Iwo Jima, these dogs helped secure landing zones, sniffing out hidden enemy positions and alerting Marines to potential threats.

Valor and Sacrifice: War dogs demonstrated remarkable bravery and loyalty in combat situations. Many dogs served alongside their handlers in the thick of battle, risking their lives to protect Marines and complete their missions. Around 29 dogs were killed in action, many were wounded.

Legacy: The contributions of war dogs during WWII were significant but often overlooked. After the war, many of these dogs were retired from military service and returned to civilian life. In 1945, the USMC officially disbanded its War Dog Program, but the legacy of these heroic animals lives on in military history.

Overall, the use of war dogs by the USMC during World War II demonstrated the effectiveness of canine units in enhancing military operations. Their service and sacrifices contributed to the success of Allied forces in the Pacific theater and left an indelible mark on the history of the Marine Corps.

3 handlers and 3 dogs in set 10

Supplied UNPAINTED
Painted models for reference only.
Bases and flags not included.
These are fine scale models for adult collectors.
Not suitable for children.
Includes small and sharp functional parts.
Design property of WarBear for whom we are a licensed merchant

Note to Buyers:
Please be aware that these figures come unpainted. They require basic modeling skills and painting materials to complete. The images provided are for reference and may showcase painted versions for illustrative purposes.