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Nemo: The Vietnam War Dog who Warned his Platoon of an Ambush
Nemo was a German Shepherd who served as a war dog during the Vietnam War. He was trained to detect booby traps and alert his platoon to danger.
In December 1966, Nemo and his handler, Airman 2nd Class Robert A. Thorneburg, were on patrol when they were ambushed by Viet Cong soldiers. Nemo was shot in the face and legs but continued to fight back, allowing his handler to call for backup and repel the attack.
Nemo’s actions saved the lives of his handler and his platoon, and he was awarded the Silver Star, the military’s third-highest honor for valor.
After the war, Nemo retired and lived with his handler until his death in 1972. His bravery and loyalty have made him a symbol of the sacrifice and dedication of all war dogs.
