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Captain William W. Putney

Biography

Captain William W. Putney

The late C. William W. Putney, D.V.M., USMC (Ret.), received a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for his actions with the war dogs during the invasion of Guam. During his long veterinary career, he served as the president of California’s Veterinary Medical Association and as the Los Angeles commissioner of the Department of Animal Regulation.

Captain William W. Putney

Books by Captain William W. Putney

Always Faithful: A Memoir of the Marine Dogs of WWII
by Captain William W. Putney - History, Military, Nonfiction

William W. Putney joined the Marine Corps at the height of World War II. He commanded the Third Dog Platoon during the battle for Guam and later served as chief veterinarian and commanding officer of the War Dog Training School, where he helped train former pets for war in the Pacific. After the war, he fought successfully to have USMC war dogs returned to their civilian owners. ALWAYS FAITHFUL is Putney’s celebration of the four-legged soldiers that he both commanded and followed.