Duke the Alsatian
Mascot
Object Number - UPL 25791 - Duke, the Alsatian (German Shepard) mascot of 334 Fighter Squadron and the whole 4th Fighter Group.
Duke, a Alsatian dog, was the 334th Fighter Squadron's mascot. He was known as infamous and irrepressible and can be seen in more than a dozen 4th Fighter Group photos. He was formerly owned by another but when his owner died (KIA) Kidd Hofer of the 4th Fighter Group took him under his wing and Duke became his pet. When Hofer was KIA in mid 1944 Deacon Hively may have taken Duke for his own pet (but this fact is unconfirmed but very probable).
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 334th Fighter Squadron 335th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-2045177
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Revisions
'1000 Destroyed' by Grover Hall
http://www.4thfightergroupassociation.org/personnel.html
Personal research
AAM pictures
Roger Freeman Photo.
![Lieutenant Howard Hively of the 335th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group with his dog mascot "Duke" and a P-47 Thunderbolt at Debden, 1 October 1943. Passed for publication 1 Oct 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '1/10/43. Lt. Howard Hively, [aged] 28, 4TFO.' 'Printed caption on reverse: MASCOT WELCOMES THUNDERBOLT PILOT Associated Press Photo show: "Duke" Police dog mascot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Squadron in England, playfully tugs at a glove of Lt. Howard D. (Deacon) Hively, 28, of Athens, Chic., aft](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-401124.jpg.webp?itok=b-QGKDy4)
