GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2001
H	1
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 680

 
 
Sponsors:	Representatives Morris and Gibson (Primary Sponsors).	
Referred to:	Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.	
March 19, 2001

     
A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE MEMORY AND SERVICE OF dOG HANDLERS AND VISUAL TRACKERS KILLED DURING THE VIETNAM WAR AND RECOGNIZING the SERVICE OF MILITARY DOGS DURING THAT WAR.

Whereas, since World War II, the United States military has employed the use of dogs to help ensure the safety of its military personnel; and
Whereas, during the Vietnam War, thousands of American families donated their dogs to the military; and
Whereas, these dogs were used to walk point, leading the platoons with a handler to scout out such dangers as snipers and bombs; and
Whereas, because of the effectiveness of these dogs, bounties were offered on them and their handlers; and
Whereas, over 265 dog handlers and visual trackers were killed in action during the Vietnam War; and
Whereas, several soldiers assigned to the military dog corps from North Carolina died during the Vietnam War, including: James Boyd of Winston-Salem who died on February 28, 1968; David Schanner of Charlotte who died on May 14, 1969; Kenneth Burlock, Jr. of Jacksonville who died on September 17, 1969; and Jimmy Adams of Fayetteville who died on November 2, 1970; and
Whereas, of the 4,000 dogs that served during the Vietnam War, 281 were officially listed as killed in action, 500 died in service, 190 were returned to the United States, and the remainder were left behind in Vietnam; and
Whereas, over 10,000 soldiers cared for and formed unique bonds with these dogs; and
Whereas, these dogs ought to be recognized for their service; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the memory and service of James Boyd, David Schanner, Kenneth Burlock, Jr., and Jimmy Adams and other dog handlers and visual trackers killed during the Vietnam War and recognizes the service of military dogs during that war.
SECTION 2.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Vietnam Dog Handler Association.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.