"Ken McCutchan is a life-long resident of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, descended from pioneer families that entered the area in the early 1800s. He is veteran of WWII, having served with Army Corps of Engineers in both North Africa and Europe. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Composition and Modern Language from the University of Evansville, a certificate in French Language and Culture from the Sorbonne in Paris, and an Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree from the University of Southern Indiana. His other books include: The Adventures of Isaac Knight, From then Til Now, Saundersville, An English Settlement, At The Bend in the River, and Dearest Lizzie. Mr. McCutchan's books may be purchased at Willard Library in Evansville, IN.

Sgt. Snicker    

by Kenneth McCutchan

This is the story of Sgt. Snicker.

Just inside the main tollgate at the Mesker park Zoo. on the right on a quiet, shady knoll. is a small granite tombstone attesting to the fact that Sgt. Snicker served in World War II. Sgt. Snicker was a dog.

The handsome German shepherd puppy was born on July 7, 1936. Named Snicker, he became the pet of Jack Nelson, who lived in the 300 block of Third Avenue.

The late 1930s was a time of world turmoil. Hitler was stomping all over Europe, and American ships were being sunk in the Atlantic by German U-boats.

The threat of global war hung heavy on the horizon. The United States instituted a program called "Dogs For Democracy" to train sentinel dogs for duty at military installations.

In 1941 Snicker was enlisted and sent off to "boot camp" for special training and conditioning. Accepted as a member of the K-9 Corps, he had his serial number, K-9-37633 tattooed on his ear.

After a while he went off to war in the European the ater and served honorably.

Twice he was wounded by enemy fire. A head wound was repaired by an Army veterinarian who placed a silver plate in his skull.

Snicker suffered a second wound in his hip, reportedly while he was standing guard over two wounded GIs.

When the war ended, Snicker was put through a de- briefing to prepare him for return to civilian life. On Oct. 4, 1945, he was honorably discharged from service with a Purple Heart for wounds received under fire; and a promotion to the honorary rank of sergeant

He was returned to his original owner in Evansville to live out the rest of his long life as an aging veteran. As the years passed, he lolled away the days dozing in the sun.

The end came on Feb. 16, 1956, when the poor old soldier, then almost blind and deaf. wandered aimlessly into the street and was struck by a passing truck. He was 19 years old.

Two days later a group of members of the Disabled American Veterans Post 7 carried the body to its final rest- ing place on the Evansville Zoo grounds and buried him with full military honors, including flags. the traditional rifle salute and taps.