COAST GUARD CANINES
TODAY WE SALUTE THE WORKING MASCOTS Photos courtesy of The National Archives
During World War II , Coast Guard mascot dogs worked across seaman ’ s duties . From assisting in sickbay to providing docking support , these seafaring companions were an essential part of the crew .
Coast Guard dogs also provided comfort and companionship to recovering service members . Of course , they also managed to find themselves in some trouble … But at the end of the day , they are all good dogs !
Many thanks to the Still Pictures Branch at the National Archives for their work making these images available .
Above , The Good Companions : Either romping or snuggling , the Seagoing pups aboard a Coast Guard-manned fight ship are the best of companions for the Yankee invaders . Here , on a Coast Guard-manned invasion transport , two mascot dogs express their happiness over the return of Coast Guard and Marine invaders from the roaring beaches of Peleliu in the Palaus .
Opposite page , “ Saki ” Sees Action at Biak Island : Saki ,” black cocker spaniel mascot of a Coast Guard-manned LST , was in there with his shipmates when American forces attacked and finally conquered the Japanese bastion on Biak Island in the Southwest Pacific . Here , “ Saki ” is shown with one of his pals , Coast Guardsman Kenneth D . Smith , seaman first class , of 317 Kinross Avenue , Clawson , Michigan , on the deck of the LST before an anti-aircraft gun .
PORTFOLIO MAGAZINE 27