The Alabama War Dog Memorial was dedicated on Veterans Day, November 11, 2008, at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile. The four-ton granite slab supports bronze statues depicting a war dog, his handler, and other soldiers. The marble back side lists war dogs associated with Alabama handlers. Boot prints and paw prints in front of the monument allow visitors to connect personally with the teams who served.
The memorial depicts a real Alabama war dog team — Little Joe, a German Shepherd, and his handler, Charles “Wade” Franks. Little Joe gave his life saving his team on February 22, 1970, in Vietnam.
The $58,000 memorial was designed over six months by Clark Memorials of Birmingham. Approximately 120-130 people attended the outdoor dedication ceremony, including a dozen Vietnam dog handler veterans and two active military working dog teams from Pensacola Naval Air Station.
During the ceremony, Bill Wigginton read the names of the seven Alabama war dog handlers killed in Vietnam. A rose was placed on the monument for each name — laid by a family member, close friend, or someone with a strong tie to war dogs. Ron Gillespie placed a flower bouquet at the paw prints to honor all war dogs past and present.
Front Dedication Statement:
“An Unheralded Breed of Soldier — Let all who read these words of gratitude and praise know that tens of thousands of America’s fighting men and women owe their lives to the deeds and courage of war dogs and their handlers. Let it be known that ma“An Unheralded Breed of Soldier
Let all who read these words of gratitude and praise know that tens of thousands of America’s fighting men and women owe their lives to the deeds and courage of war dogs and their handlers. Further, let it be known that many breeds of dogs, large and small, served our nation in times of war, all going into harm’s way with distinction and valor — unhesitating.
Let us not forget these unsung heroes are soldiers, too. These valiant dogs protect our military men and women through countless perils, give comfort in uncertainty, and share the suffering and the risks in the time of war.
Over the decades, many of these dogs have made the supreme sacrifice, giving their own lives to shield our armed forces and military assets from hostile acts. Canines in the armed forces continue that noble tradition around the world today.
This monument is dedicated by the patriotic people of Alabama for all to bear witness in remembrance to these faithful war dogs and their Alabama handlers. Those who leave this place should remember the deeds and sacrifices of these four-legged soldiers. Furthermore, see in every dog the unconditional loyalty inherent in war dogs and glimpse a reflection of their shoulder-brothers’ heroic actions. These teams unhesitatingly fight for right and for our nation’s freedoms. Lest we forget, we should hold them dear in our hearts and honor their courage.”y breeds of dogs, large and small, served our nation in times of war, all going into harm’s way with distinction and valor — unhesitating. Lest we forget, we should hold them dear in our hearts and honor their courage.”