Oral history interview with James R. Botts [sound recording], 2001.

ArchivalResource

Botts, James R., 1948-. Oral history interview with James R. Botts [sound recording], 2001.

Oral history interview with James R. Botts [sound recording], 2001.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/84738256

Botts, a McComb, Ill. native, discusses his military career as a M.P. (Military Police) dog handler in the Army during the Vietnam War. Botts describes being drafted into the Army in 1969 shortly after leaving the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Undergoing basic training at Fort Bragg (Kentucky), Botts recounts receiving orders to attend M.P. training at Fort Gordon (Georgia) and volunteering to become a dog handler. Assigned to further training at Okinawa (Japan), Botts talks about meeting his dog and the training both handlers and dogs receive together. Botts details extensively dog training procedures, including a vivid and interesting description of how handlers taught dogs to attack enemy combatants and trail scents. Botts dispels some misconceptions concerning dog handling, most notably the fact that handlers do not use food to train dogs. Stationed at Binh Long (Vietnam) and Tay Ninh (Vietnam) with the 212th M.P. Company, Botts describes the primary responsibilities of dog handlers, including guarding ammunition dumps from enemy penetration and the P.X. (Post Exchange) from fellow soldiers stealing supplies. Social life at the base is touched upon briefly, as is drug use by soldiers, and the use of Agent Orange to clear foliage and the possible medical consequences for military dogs. Botts comments on the emotional difficulties handlers faced when leaving their dogs after completing their tour of duty. Discharged in November of 1970, Botts addresses his return to Madison (Wis.) where he used the G.I. Bill to learn auto mechanics and finding employment with the City of Madison. Botts refers to his membership in both the Middleton Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Vietnam Dog Handler Association.

Sound recording : 1 sound cassette (ca. 50 min.) : analog, 1 7/8 ips.Transcript : 42 p.Military Papers : 0.1 linear ft. (1 folder)Videorecording : 1 videocassette (ca. 50 min.) : sd., col. ; 1/2 in.Master sound recording : 1 sound cassette (ca. 50 min.) : analog, 1 7/8 ips.

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center