She Didn't Act Like A Princess
3 October 1968

Battalion S3 Operations Log: At approximately 1105 hours, a male Vietnamese National, Dao Van Lan, civilian, Long Binh Tahn, ID#161755, DOB 1927, was bitten by a Scout Dog named “Princess,” ID #6X16, from the 212th MP Company (Sentry Dog). Dog Handler was PFC Bobbie E. Graff, 212th MP Company, [Scout Dog Unit].

        The individual bitten received lacerations of the upper thigh and was taken to the 24th Evacuation Hospital for treatment. The individual was being detained in area during a routine check when he made a quick move, possibly out of fright, when the Scout Dog (Princess) did the same, and bit him.

        Scout Dog had shot record up to date. Mr. Lan was treated and released at 24th Evacuation Hospital by MAJ Clyde W. Wagner, 094534.

Reflections: I remember some things about this, although I was not present when it happened. I wasn’t assigned to the Scout Dog section until the end of October 1968, but I knew Bob Graff, and heard him talk about it.

        His dog Princess was a smaller female, about 55 pounds, but she often just acted like she had a bad temper. She was pretty feisty, and very fast. I'm sure the old " Papasan " probably didn't do anything wrong, Princess probably scared him. Bob said the guy was screaming real loud, and there was a lot of blood. I think he was the owner of a large sampan, that the 720th B Company Ambush Squad had stopped for a ride across the river, and that Princess bit him as she was starting to get onto the boat.

SP/4 Mel R. Steinhauer, 212th MP Company, Scout Dog Unit, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Group, 18th MP Brigade, Voietnam, July 1968 to June 1969.