Ebony and White: The Story of the Canine Corps

By Joseph J. White

Joseph White, like many Americans, is a veteran of the Vietnam war. However, his experiences are remarkably different and therein lies the story of Ebony, a skilled war dog. White was transferred to the K-9 corps shortly after entry into the service. His experiences with these highly trained animals led him to the Presidency of the National War Dogs Memorial Project. He recalls one typical, yet extraordinary day of working with the highly trained Ebony. Leading White's troop on patrol west of Hue, Ebony stopped and threw up her ears in alert. By then able to distinguish between the dog's alerts, White knew it was humans to which the dog was reacting. Ebony saved 15 US soldiers that day for an enemy ambush lay just around the bend.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 094487536X
• ISBN13: 9780944875360
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: BowTie Press
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

How soon we forget!

White not only reminds us of a war that so many would like to forget, but also reminds us of the mood of a nation, and most certainly the young men called to fight in Vietnam. Anyone feeling the need to criticize White's honest portrayal of human emotions in this book, needs only to pick up a copy of The Red Badge of Courage or Catch 22 to be reminded of how literary classics don't always paint a rosey picture of what soldiers are supposed to feel, but instead, what they really feel! White, no longer a young boy, has dedicated his life to the hopefully soon to be realized recognition for war dogs that have fought and died just as bravely as our men and women of the armed services. He took a terrifying and confusing era in American History, and not only helped to educate his readers, but continued to educate himself, and others, about the plight of war dogs. The historic information, especially in regards to mine-detection dogs, is hard to find anywhere, and with our nation now so dependant on these brave creatures in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is important to recognize our past treatment and mistakes regarding these dogs, and move forward to recorgnize and reward their brave service to our country.

wonder, gripping tale

This book not only is informative abouut the K-9 corps in Nam, but is a story about a man and his experience in the army. White showed that one can make mistakes and still come back from everything. I strongly suggest that anyone who has any interests in war, K-9's, or a great tale should read this book. It is an easy and quick read. Well worth every penny!

This is a book with a purpose about Dogs of War

This is a chilling account of White's army experience. In the early 60's he was drafted into the army as a rebellious and reluctant teenager and sent to Vietnam. Plunged into mountain guerilla warfare, he spent months in the jungle as a "point man". Finally he was transferred to a Scout Dog Platoon, where he met Ebony, the black German Shepherd that was to become his devoted companion. His intense attachment to Ebony is touchingly conveyed. His account of the war is horrifying, and the terror, tension and appaling conditions. Patricia Bennet Hoffman writing in The Northwest Canine Companion

A heart rendering tale of loyalty and affection

They saved thousands of soldiers but America left the K-9 vetereans of the Vietnam war behind to die of neglect chained to their kennels. The author relates how his dog, Ebony, led him and platoons of men safely thru the jungle. Now White is is the president of the National War Dogs Memorial Fund and trying to raise money to honor the canine heroes who were turned over to the Vietnamese. Frank Mainville writing in April 21st, 1996 edition of the Lansing State Journal