At Fort MacArthur Military Museum - This small cemetery in Angel's Gate Park was originally reserved for service dogs, those specifically trained for attack. It was the duty of these faithful animals to protect our military installations against all invaders, real or imagined. Because human frailties often blunder to the absurd, it is no less a responsibility we should honor these friends - sadly unsuited to more tranquil times. Several unmarked graves date from WWII; the property not enclosed and dedicated until 1975.

On September 9, 1941, the first sentry dog unit of the K-9 Company was formed at Fort MacArthur. This program was another step in the fort's campaign to increase its effectiveness. Originated and organized on a trial basis in December 1940, the first dogs for the unit were recruited directly from their owners at Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles after extensive newspaper publicity. Sergeant Robert H. Pearce was designated head trainer, and the unit became the nucleus of the internationally famous K-9 Command, U.S. Army.
California Center for Military History.

At Fort MacArthur Military Museum - This small cemetery in Angel's Gate Park was originally reserved for service dogs, those specifically trained for attack. It was the duty of these faithful animals to protect our military installations against all invaders, real or imagined. Because human frailties often blunder to the absurd, it is no less a responsibility we should honor these friends - sadly unsuited to more tranquil times. Several unmarked graves date from WWII; the property not enclosed and dedicated until 1975.

On September 9, 1941, the first sentry dog unit of the K-9 Company was formed at Fort MacArthur. This program was another step in the fort's campaign to increase its effectiveness. Originated and organized on a trial basis in December 1940, the first dogs for the unit were recruited directly from their owners at Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles after extensive newspaper publicity. Sergeant Robert H. Pearce was designated head trainer, and the unit became the nucleus of the internationally famous K-9 Command, U.S. Army.
California Center for Military History.