This page is dedicated to the memory of Candy. Candy was a Scout Dog for the 1st MP BLT during the Vietnam war. She scouted for the 1st, 3rd and 4th Marine Divisions. Her handler, friend, comrade and brother was CPL Mike Oberlander.
Mike trained with Candy at Ft. Benning Ga., and they stepped foot on Vietnam soil for the first time, side by side. Mike and Candy served together in Vietnam from March 1966 to March 1967.
As with all the dogs in Vietnam, when your hitch is up the dogs were trained with another handler. Thanks to an e-mail address. I came across another handler who had taken over with Candy when Mike left country. His name is James Ritz Jr. Jim was an E-5 and was attached to the 3rd Marine MP Battalion from June 1967 to June 1968. Since being in contact with Jim by e-mail and telephone, he has sent me photo's and stories of Candy and himself. I want to thank Jim for extending the memory of Candy by sharing his photo's and stories with us. Thanks Jim for helping us keep Candy's Memory alive.
Candy may your memory live forever not only in Mike and Jim's heart and mind but also to the lives you have saved in Vietnam and to all of us that has heard so much about you. Thank you for what you have done for your fellow man and the country you fought for. May your angel wings shine with honor and love. I am honored to write this page for these three heroes.
