Vietnam veteran dogs and their handlers saved thousands of American lives. The late Sgt. Brian Taras, of Lehigh Township, and his scout dog Gretel are recognized in a Hometown Heroes banner located on Route 946 toward Danielsville.

Taras served in the U.S. Army in the 39th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon attached to the 173rd Airborne Division, II Corps, LZ English, in South Vietnam from June 1969 to June 1970. He was awarded the Purple Heart twice, the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

Taras and Gretel received the Chapel of Four Chaplains Humanitarian Award in 2001. It was in recognition for the countless lives they saved in Vietnam. Taras spoke to organizations on those forgotten four-legged heroes.

When Taras left Vietnam to come home, he had to board the plane with a mix of heartfelt emotions, from difficulty accepting the separation from his beloved dog to returning home to his family and friends. Now they are together again forever. Gretel and he were a scout team for his whole tour of duty.

In an interview in 2000, Taras noted recognition of Gretel and the other war dogs are more important to him than recognition of his own service to the country. Gretel is not a forgotten hero by her handler. Taras honored her by purchasing a brick with her name on it at the Lehigh Northampton Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the VFW Post 9264 in Macungie.

For the handlers, the scout dog was more than a dog. They were their best friends and often the only reason the handlers survived. Soldiers died trying to save their dogs’ lives, and many canines took the brunt of booby trap explosions, saving the lives of handlers.

The dogs warned troops about ambushes and saved lives by dragging wounded soldiers to safety, without consideration for their own wounds. The teams were so effective in Vietnam that the Viet Cong posted bounties on the handlers and their dogs.

“I was blown away by seeing my dad’s flag,” Taras’ daughter Rachel said about the banner. “I’m extremely proud!”

Help honor our Hometown Heroes. Forms can be picked up at American Legion Post 899, 1140 Municipal Road, Walnutport.

For additional information, contact Hometown Heroes banner program coordinator Jeff Weidner at 484-426-8639 or Post 899 at 610-767-2393.