Today we salute the hard working canine mascots of the U.S. Coast Guard.
"Knobby" at the wheel. The mongrel mascot of a Coast Guard 83-foot rescue cutter stayed with his shipmates in the historic sweep across the English Channel. National Archives Identifier 205582997
"Kodiak" is the mascot aboard a Coast Guard-manned invasion transport, and is a veteran of Kiska, Tarawa and Saipan. National Archives Identifier 205582985
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. You can find photographs of the US Coast Guard Mascots within Record Group 26: Records of the U.S. Coast Guard, Series: Photographs of Activities, Facilities, and Personalities, 1886 – 1967, RG-26-G.
Determined to follow his Coast Guard mates to the beach, "Hobo" hops onto a war machine which is about to be hoisted into a landing craft. National Archives Identifier 205582904
Mascot of the fighting Coast vessel in the Atlantic, “Sparky” stays topside during moments of excitement. His battle station is flexible. National Archives Identifier 205583186
Pete the Pooch, Able Seaman and LeHavre’s mooring expert, knows all about ships and the way to moor them. He’s handled many vessels in his war-time life, such as this Coast Guard 83 foot cutter about to be tied up. Pete goes into the sea after the line, brings it ashore and then makes the vessel fast. It’s all in the day’s work of a sea-dog. National Archives Identifier 205583269
Coast Guard dogs also provided comfort and companionship to recovering service members.
If ever a dog smiled - it is "Doc Sunshine," self-appointed official cheerer upper below decks on a Coast Guard-manned troop transport ferrying back casualties from Europe. All day long, "Doc Sunshine" makes his rounds from bunk to bunk. National Archives Identifier 205582889
Back from Peleliu, Coast Guardsmen and Marines are warmly welcomed by the mascot dogs of a Coast Guard-manned invasion transport. The pups that go along to the Pacific invasions are good companions and true pals. Here three happy mutts gather with three convalescent fighting men to catch a bit of the sun. National Archives Identifier 205582949
Of course, they also managed to find themselves in some trouble…
“Bozo,” mascot aboard a Coast Guard combat cutter in the Far North, chewed the captain’s shoes. Court-martialed and confined to the brig for conduct unbecoming a ship’s mascot, “Bozo” was defiant. But when he stared through the porthole and saw the liberty party getting ready to cast off, he turned on his most repentant expression. The skipper relented, and Bozo went ashore in search of more trouble. 26-G-3411. National Archives Identifier 205582880
Wearing a “sad sack” expression, “Rowdy” heads for his court martial at the San Diego, Calif., U.S. Coast Guard patrol Base. For being AWOL three hours while on sentry duty the Coast guard pooch was demoted from first class to second class specialist, lost extra rations, and given time in the brig. Tender hearts caused restoration of his first class rating the following day. 26-G-3042. National Archives Identifier 205582937
But at the end of the day, they are all good dogs! Check out many more amazing images of service members and their animal companions (including cats, parrots, chickens, goats, and even a kangaroo!) currently available in the National Archives Catalog.
Many thanks to the Still Pictures Branch at the National Archives for their work making these images available in the Catalog. And special thanks to Meghan Guthon and Kelsey Noel. This feature was adapted from their posts on the Unwritten Record blog:
Interested in transcribing these records to make them more searchable and accessible? Transcribe the photo cards describing these seafaring companions, and for extra credit, tag details and features you see in each photograph.
Have a question? Find your answer on History Hub! See some of the latest questions on History Hub - maybe you can help our other community members with their research!
Heroic dog! “Seeking information on a Coast Guard Dog named ‘Nora.' She was a German Shepard who rescued Coast Guardsman Evans E. Mitchell of Chicago, IL, while patrolling an isolated North Carolina beach at night. … I have included the only photo I have found of Nora and Evans Mitchell to date.”
Prohibition gang shootout! “I believe my great grandfather and his brother in law were in a gang that operated out of New York and possibly New Jersey during Prohibition. … I know from a 1925 article I found that he got in a chase/shootout with the coast guard on the ship the Margie, and was supposedly shot seven times but survived.”
Start your research! “My grandfather was in the Coast Guard Reserves in World War II, and I'm wondering if there's a way to find any records associated with that.”
Bonus blog posts! Archivists have compiled information to help you start your research:
See also our guide to Vessel & Station Log Books, which include logbooks of depots, bases, lifesaving stations, and air stations; Coast Guard vessels, merchant vessels, and revenue cutters; lighthouses, light stations, tenders, and light vessels; and Port Security units.
Make History Hub your first stop! You can ask—or answer—questions on History Hub, or see if your question has already been answered.
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