Duke and William loved to play hide and seek. They were like peas in pod, best friends forever. William didn't know that their time together was limited. In fact, in two days Duke was catching a plane to North Carolina. He was going to school. He had a big future in front of him and didn't even know. William didn't either.
"William come on in here," said his Dad calmly. "We have something to tell you."
William and Duke came running around the corner. Duke slid around the turn, bounced off the wall, and ran right up to his master. He licked him on the face and handed him his huge paw for a firm hand shake. Duke was a beautiful Doberman Pinscher. He was the poster dog for the breed. He was big, strong, and smart. All the qualities the Marines were looking for.
His dad reached over and turned off the radio.
"Dad! President Roosevelt was talking! It's important!" screamed William. He was passionate about the United States. He was a great young patriot.
His dad smiled and patted him on the head. His mother came in and sat next to them.
"Son, we know you love Duke. We love Duke. In fact, President Roosevelt loves Duke too." He put his arm around William and rubbed Duke's pointy ears with the other. "The President has asked if Duke could be a Marine and help protect the country from those crazy Japs. You know, the people that blew up Pearl Harbor?"
William looked up at his Dad. He understood. He too was a smart young man. Smarter than his seven years would lead others to believe.
"Dad, will Duke help protect us? Will he help protect America?"
His mother quickly got up and left the room. They could hear her sobbing.
"Son, Duke was made for this. His mom and dad are awarding winning dogs. You see how good he is at hide and seek right?"
"Yes, he's really good. He finds me every time. And he barks at strangers too."
"Well, son, that is the kind of stuff the Marines need. He can help them and when he's finished, they will give them back to us."
Duke sat there at attention, like always, and enjoyed the ear rubs. Duke was a "leaner". When he sat down he would back into the closest person then lean on them. William leaned down and squeezed Duke's neck and gave him a big hug. Duke leaned in. His dad joined in. William's mother walked back into the room. They all wept openly for hours, enjoying their time with Duke. Duke enjoyed his time with them as well. Their time together was precious but in the back of their minds they all wondered if they would even see Duke again.
Duke landed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina a few days later. He was joined by sixty other German Shepards, a couple of Boxers, and several other Dobermans. Many of the dogs had already been receiving training but Duke and his Handler, Bennie, had gotten Duke up to speed. While the other dogs were concentrating on one area such as mine detection, message delivery, or ambush awareness; Duke had mastered all these activities. In fact, he had already served a couple tours in Guam and advanced quicker than any other Marine Dog to the esteemed title of Gunner Sergeant. Duke and Bennie were leaving in the morning for Iwo Jima.
"Mom! There's some man at the door! Do you want me to get it" he yelled across the house.
She walked up next to him and through the window she could see it was two Marines standing at attention. She new this day would come. William's father walked up from the basement and wiped the sweat from his brow. He placed a wrench in his pocket and wiped the grease off his hand. He opened up the door while extending his hand. They shook and he saluted just as a former Marine should. They saluted back and introduced themselves.
"Good afternoon Ma'am. Sir. Hello young man. It is my understanding that three and half years ago, Duke, your trusted Doberman, volunteered for the Marines."
"Yes, that's correct," she said.
"Is Duke coming back?" William was anxious to hear their response and leaned forward looking at the pistol on the Marines belt. His mom and dad each placed their hand on their son's shoulder, giving some comfort for what was about the come. "See, he looks like this!" William proudly pulled a picture of Duke from his wallet.
The Marines looked at each other and the parents. They leaned down to get eye level with William.
"Young man, Duke served his country better than any other dog ever has. His accomplishments will never be forgotten. He saved many lives out there on the battle field and I can personally say that he earned this more than once over."
The Marine pulled out a Silver Star medal and handed it to William. He looked at it proudly. His parents leaned down and hugged him.
"Son, this medal represents bravery and valor in battle. Duke represented all the qualities needed to be a hero. And a hero he is. He was one of the best dogs the Marines have ever had the pleasure of working with." The Marine paused for a second then continued. "William, it is my pleasure to return Duke to you and your family."
He then whistled loudly and from the back of the covered military truck jumped Duke. He immediately ran straight to William. They rolled around in the yard for what seemed hours. They all wept, again. And yes, so did the Marines.
Dedicated to William W. Putney, Captain, USMC
Semper Fidelis
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