Mascot
The USS Samuel B. Roberts was ready for combat. Newly constructed, outfitted, and manned by an eager crew, she was ready to leave Norfolk for the Pacific theater. She needed just one more crew member. After an evening ashore involving more than a small amount of drinking, several enlisted men smuggled a little black dog back aboard. It wasn’t long before Capt. Bob Copeland found out about this unauthorized stowaway on his ship.
As the sailors waited nervously to find out what was going to happen, Copeland called for the ship’s doctor and chief yeoman. He informed them that they had a new crew member that needed a complete physical exam and official service record. After these formalities, the little mutt was named “Sammy,” adopted as the ship’s mascot, and given the rank of seaman 2nd class. He quickly became a valuable part of the ship’s company. Someone made him a little kapok life vest. An article appeared in the ship’s newsletter that Sammy had a girlfriend in Tokyo and had selected the Roberts as the fastest way to cross the Pacific.
For a young man of thirty-three years, Bob Copeland was a uniquely mature and talented leader. He never hesitated to exert his authority as captain of his ship, but he did so in a way that gained the respect of the men. He frequently stopped to talk with them and to ask about their families and girlfriends. Gestures of this kind, including the adoption of Sammy as mascot, showed his human side to the crew. This human touch also introduced a few warm feelings into an otherwise cold sea-going life. Bob Copeland knew the importance of his mission. He also knew that he would not be able to accomplish that mission without an effective, close-knit team. By his actions, he demonstrated a great Christian truth, that bonds of affection between men are even more powerful than the bonds of authority.388
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
—John 1:17