Military handler Steve Reichenbach and his dog, Major, conducting patrol to the north of Danang in late 1966.
Left Behind: The Fate of War Dogs in Vietnam
On his final mission in Vietnam, 22-year-old Marine Sergeant Steve Reichenbach walked alongside his scout dog, Major, up a barren hill. This wasn't meant to be his day; he was due to leave the war-torn country and return home the following day. However, when a call came in for a dog team to accompany a group of Marines on a patrol mission, Reichenbach volunteered, foregoing his planned departure.
Major, a Great Dane-Shepherd mix with an imposing size and creamy off-white coat, had an intimidating presence that often deterred enemy ambushes. The canine's stature alone was often enough to make the enemy retreat.
Training with Major had not been part of Reichenbach's plans prior to deployment. He had only been partnered with the dog once he arrived in Vietnam, filling the spot left by Major's previous handler who had been killed weeks earlier. Despite the unexpected partnership, Reichenbach and Major connected swiftly, their relaxed and even-tempered disposition complementing each other.
Their bond was proven as they faced their last mission together. As they marched up the hill, Reichenbach sensed danger - a premonition that proved true when a landmine exploded, injuring him and killing four of his comrades. In the chaos, Major shielded his handler, baring his teeth to protect him from others trying to approach.
As medical attention was administered to Reichenbach, Major was placed on the helicopter alongside him, making their final journey together. Reichenbach never saw Major again after that day, as he spent the following three months recovering in various military hospitals. Meanwhile, Major was paired with a replacement handler. It is said that when this new handler met his new dog, Major still bore traces of Reichenbach's blood.
It was a tragic end for many military dogs like Major during the Vietnam War. Out of approximately 4,000 dogs employed during the conflict, only around 200 were brought back to the United States. The rest were either euthanized or left behind, classified as equipment rather than living beings. This grim reality was finally addressed when legislation in 2000 allowed handlers to adopt retired military dogs, and further legislation in 2013 recognized these dogs as valuable veterans deserving of proper care.
Despite no longer owning a dog, Reichenbach still fondly recalls Major, acknowledging that he deserved more than the life he led. "He was a good dog," Reichenbach says, "but it was a useful life."
Tomorrow, the story of Smoky, the healing dog.
Rebecca Frankel is a senior editor at Foreign Policy Magazine. Her book, "War Dogs: Tales of Canine Heroism, History, and Love," is set to be released in October.
Sources:1. Military Working Dog Teams2. Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act3. Vietnam War Dog Memorials4. Scout Dogs in the Vietnam War
Major, a war dog like many others, bravely served alongside Marine Sergeant Steve Reichenbach in Vietnam. Despite the valiant efforts of military dogs during the Vietnam War, only around 200 were brought back to the United States, while the rest were either euthanized or left behind. The indomitable spirit of these dogs, including Major, continues to be recognized, leading to legislation in 2000 and 2013 that official recognized these animals as true veterans.
