War Dogs

War Dogs and K9 Heroes

When the United States began using canines in combat roles, it changed military operations forever. Dogs were trained to perform tasks that were difficult or dangerous for humans, including scouting, message delivery, search and rescue, and detecting mines and explosives.

During World War II, more than 11,000 dogs were trained and served in a variety of roles, including Scout Dogs, Messenger Dogs, Tracker Dogs, Sledge Dogs, and Pack Dogs. By the Vietnam War, their roles had evolved to include Scout Dogs, Tracker Dogs, and Detection Dogs trained to locate mines, tunnels, trip wires, and booby traps. Although thousands of dogs served in Vietnam, only a small number returned home, as many were left behind or euthanized. Today, that practice has ended, and most military working dogs are now returned to the United States and often adopted by their handlers.

War dogs have also served with law enforcement, fire departments, and search and rescue teams. These K9 heroes help locate missing persons, detect explosives and narcotics, track suspects, and assist in disaster response. Their service has saved countless lives in both military and civilian roles.

The Challenge

The challenge is to locate and photograph War Dog and Law Enforcement K9 memorials that are at least one foot tall. Law Enforcement K9s are defined as dogs in a working capacity such as bomb detection, arson investigation, search and rescue, or similar service roles. Mascots, pets, and support animals are not eligible.

Tour of Honor Finisher Levels

• Bronze – 10 different War Dogs or K9 Heroes
• Silver – 20 different War Dogs or K9 Heroes
• Gold – 30 different War Dogs or K9 Heroes
• Sirius Level – 50 different War Dogs or K9 Heroes

Photo Requirements

Each submission must include:

• The memorial
• Your motorcycle
• Rider flag (and passenger if applicable)
• Enough background to identify the location or a geotag-enabled photo

If the motorcycle cannot be included in the same photo, submit a second photo showing the motorcycle and rally flag in nearby designated parking.

GPX File

• Revised 4/17/2026