"The Trip To Vietnam"
August 1965

I can remember all the units that are on the orders became the 212th, about 5 or 6 months after we arrived in Vietnam. When we arrived, we were the 1]71st MP Platoon, and then shortly after that we became the 72nd MP Detachment Dismounted Patrol, then we were designated the 88th MP Company K9.

I was on the first plane load of Army Dogs and handlers to go over, in fact I was on the first plane load that landed. We flew over from Travis Air Force Base, California, around the 4th or 5th of August 1965, on C-130's. I believe there were 3 or 4 planes loads of us. We went to Hawaii then to Guam, and I thought there was one more stop in there some place but can't remember.

One of the planes developed engine trouble in Hawaii so we had a layover there for several hours until it was fixed. My plane carried dogs, their food, handlers, our duffel bags and gear, and a 3/4 ton truck. I sat in the truck all the way over. We landed at night at Ton Son Nhut and stayed there about a week, and we were shipped out from there.

SP/4 Dan Byrd, 88th & 212th MP Company (Sentry Dog) August 1965 to August 1966.

1] 71st MP Platoon, later became the 72nd MP Detachment (Dismounted Patrol), later became the 88th MP Company (K9), finally designated as the 212th MP Company (Sentry Dog), who were first attached to the 89th MP Group, Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV), 1965-1966, and later attached subordinate to the 95thMP Battalion, 89th MP Group, 18th MP Brigade,1966-1967 then the 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Group, 18th MP Brigade, from 1968 through 1972.