Tan Son Nhut Air Base, where Nemo was stationed, came under attack by the Viet Cong in the early hours of December 4, 1966. Nemo was released to attack the Viet Cong later that night, and in the process lost one eye and suffered a gunshot wound to the nose. A bullet entered under his right eye and exited through his mouth. Despite his severe injuries, Nemo saved the life of his handler, Airman Robert A. Throneburg, who was also wounded. Crawling across Throneburg's body, Nemo protected his handler from anyone who dared to approach until medical help arrived.
On the darkest of hot nights, Airman Robert Throneburg and Sentry Dog Nemo quietly patrolled near a graveyard on Tan Son Nhut Airbase on the night of December 4, 1966. While on duty, Nemo detected a group of hidden Viet Cong. "Watch him," said Airman Throneburg. The dog's muscles tensed in anticipation. "Get him!" he commanded next, and Nemo lunged savagely forward into the enemy's nest, with Throneburg close behind.
In the opening moments of the encounter, Airman Throneburg and Nemo killed two Viet Cong. However, before additional security police could reach them, Airman Throneburg was wounded in the front left side of his shoulder. The bullet that struck him saved his life by diverting another incoming round that would have struck his heart, but instead lodged in the back of his left shoulder. After being evacuated by helicopter, Tan Son Nhut was liberated.
Airman Robert Throneburg was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star Medal with the V for valor. Nemo was one of the first K-9 units to be retired and returned to the United States.
After receiving his injuries, Nemo was returned to Lackland Air Force Base in the United States, where he was given a permanent retirement kennel. He continued to work as a recruiting dog until his death in December 1972 at Lackland, where his memorial kennels and stone monument stand today in his honor.
Jason - Loyalist Shepherds
In Memory of Benny Eriksen a Vietnam war veteran, owner of his beloved dog Thor von Loyalist and a dear friend.
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