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    1. The last image is his full-page entry in the ships end of war “Cruise Book”. Sadly, the poem there seems to indicate that at some point the poor guy broke a leg.

      “Liberty Hound” — Chips was more than a mascot. He was part of the crew. Being a democratic pup he went on recreation parties with all four sections.

      >Mr. CHIPS I’m sorry

      >How lonesome you must be

      >Without a little soul mate

      >To keep you company.

      >It’s tough I can imagine

      >While we’re under way,

      >Not having friends around

      >To pass the time away.

      >Now I’m a nature lover

      >And with you I will agree

      >That nothing is so comforting

      >As seeing a good old tree.

      >And when you got a broken leg

      >Which is an added load

      >That you alone must carry

      >As you go along life’s road.

      >I saw you then at sick bay,

      >So broken and so weak,

      >That when the crew came visiting

      >You couldn’t eat or speak;

      >But CHIPS, Just keep your chin up

      >Until this war is o’er

      >Then at last I know you’ll get

      >The things you’re longing for.

      >If it were I who had my way

      >I’ll tell you what I’d do:

      >I’d find a mate, a nice big tree,

      >And a juicy bone for you!

      source of cruisebook image: https://www.navysite.de/cruisebooks/apa2-45/073.htm

      The ship participated in many Pacific campaigns and landings: Attu, Tarawa, Kwajalein, Saipan, Leyte, Okinawa and others.

    2. StephenHunterUK on

      I am guessing that the first image was a wartime-published one as the ship’s name is redacted.

      D.O.W. would be “Duration of War”, I imagine.

    3. wharleeprof on

      I bet he got lots of love from homesick sailors who missed their dogs at home. 

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