DOG

Ted Beard

Perhaps this is a strange title for a story, but this is a story about a dog SCUPPER. He came aboard LST 326 during the amphibious Navy assaults on Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio and France on D-Day. Scupper was not a stowaway; he just walked on. We were docked and tied to other LST’s preparing for the assault on the beaches of Sicily, so Scupper had his choice. Why did he choose the 326? Only he knew. Of course it was against all Navy regulations to have an animal aboard a combat ship but our captain must have found the same affection for Scupper as did the ship’s crew. 

We did not know if Scupper was African, Sicilian, Italian or even German. I’m sure he did not know his Daddy, but his Mama and Daddy must have had remarkable genes for he was so intelligent, lovable and loyal. I don’t believe anyone but the ship’s crew could have boarded our ship unless Scupper knew they had been invited.

He had the run of the ship and even took a few rides on my crew’s small boat. Following the duties of LST 326 after the invasion of France I received orders to return to the United States and had to say goodbye to my small boat crew and Scupper; we had been through so much together.

Imagine my surprise when I received a copy of the Baltimore American Pictorial Review, front cover dated January 28, 1945; Scupper was featured, wearing his campaign ribbons and stars for his part in three invasions.

I know he is in Heaven. I hope he is saving a space for me.

©Ted Beard 2004