Alumnus' Role as Scout Dog Handler in Vietnam Highlighted

Northern Michigan University 1967 alumnus and Marquette native Robert Finkbeiner was recently featured in an article on the United States War Dog Association website that highlights his experience as a scout dog handler during the Vietnam War, and his unit's work to save military K-9s.

Finkbeiner was drafted into the Vietnam War at the age of 23 while attending the University of Iowa for a degree in law. As an older draftee, he was given the chance to attend Fort Benning's United States Army Infantry School non-commissioned officer (NCO) course. After completing his training, he was promoted to sergeant and given orders to be a scout dog handler.

Just 12 months after joining the military, Finkbeiner was promoted to staff sergeant and joined the 59th Infantry Platoon, where he was introduced to his scout dog, Ted.

"I'd had a German Shepherd when I was in 8th grade," said Finkbeiner in the feature story. "My role meant that I had to take on scout dog missions and help with the training of dog teams in country. But the thing that struck me instantly was just how incredible these dogs were. Ted was no exception. He was older and more experienced, having had several handlers before me. The bond we built up was instant and unbreakable."

Finkbeiner recalled his time in the platoon and the missions that required extra support.

"When a military unit needed a scout dog team, two handlers would be helicoptered out on missions, walking point and leading groups of soldiers of varying sizes. The dogs always stood out for their skills and ability to read the terrain. Ted's senses were impeccable; he knew his way around way better than I did."

Finkbeiner and Ted participated in three campaigns together. With his experience, Finkbeiner became the senior dog handler NCO of his platoon, helping to train other handlers. In addition, he also earned his Combat Infantryman Badge and an Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Services during his deployment in Vietnam.

According to the story, the brotherhood and camaraderie enjoyed by the handlers in the 59th Scout Dog Platoon led them to advocate for a change in the policy that required most military war dogs (MWDs) to be euthanized upon completion of their service. Their efforts fell short, and Robert was faced with the harsh reality of the policy when orders came to have Ted euthanized before he left Vietnam.

"He had served with several handlers and was getting older, but it was felt that I should be his last handler. I'll never forget that day and there hasn't been a single day that has gone by where I haven't thought of him. ... Since Ted, [German Shepherds] have been the only breed for me. I've had several dogs over the last five decades and I called each one of them Ted. I trained them all - just as we did with the MWDs. They could understand all the commands and it made me feel somehow connected to Ted, even all these years later."

Learn more about Finkbeiner and Ted here.