Scope and Contents

Commemorative coins from the Vietnam Dog Handler Association. One pair of coins was created by Kenneth Neal for the October 2002 Vietnam Dog Handler Association Reunion. The other pair of coins commemorates the Military Working Dog Teams who served in Thailand, 1968-1976.

Biographical / Historical

Kenneth Neal was born in Fontana, California in August 1946. He volunteered for the United States Air Force in 1966. Neal served in the Air Force for a total of eleven and half years. While in the Air Force he was stationed in Ubon Royal Thai Airbase from 1968 - 1969 and then from 1974 - 1975 with the 432nd SPS K-P, he was also stationed in the 824 Security Police Squadron Kadena Airbase Japan from 1969 - 1970. During the Vietnam War Neal held many positions including dog handler, security police officer, and dental technician. He was the first United State Air Force dog team in the Kingdom of Thailand during operation ^D<'Palace Dog^D>'. Neal was awarded many awards and citations during his service including the Presidential Unit Citation, Air force Outstanding Unit Award with ^D<'V^D>' device, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and a second with a Bronze Star, and a Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was discharged in 1979 at the rank of E-5. He currently is a life time member of the Vietnam Dog Handler Association, Vietnam Security Police Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Canadian Vietnam Veterans Association. After Neal service in the military, he was employed at the Department of Defense and the Department of Treasury.