Sgt. Sparks
In the fall of 1939, the Adams family from Canton, Ohio, purchased a Doberman Pinscher for their daughter, Joyce. On their way home, they named the puppy Sparks after passing a Champion Spark Plug billboard. Sparks’ physical growth surprised the family and, despite being a gentle giant, his look and bark scared neighbors. In early 1943, the family made the difficult decision to donate Sparks to the Devil Dog program of the United States Marine Corps after learning about the Dogs for Defense program. The U.S. Marines had chosen Dobermans as its official dog.
In March 1943, Sparks entered the military and received training from his handler, Kenneth Shepperd. Sparks was promoted to Private First Class (PFC) on June 23, 1943. In November, PFC Sparks and PFC Shepperd were deployed overseas, participating in several battles in the Pacific Theater, including Bougainville, Guadalcanal, Guam, and Okinawa.
The alertness displayed by Sparks and dogs like him was credited with saving patrols from falling into deadly enemy ambushes on more than one occasion. Additionally, Sparks accompanied the Marine Raiders on many missions into enemy territory, performing his scouting duties under fire. Like other marines, Sparks endured the hardships of living in uncovered foxholes under tropical downpours, having little sleep, eating reduced rations, and going on grueling marches. He was trained to attack upon command though his first job was to alert and indicate the whereabouts of the enemy.
In March 1944, PFC Sparks was promoted to Corporal, and on March 23, 1945, after completing 31 months of active service as a Marine War Dog, Corporal Sparks was promoted to Sergeant by the U.S. Marine Corps.
In December 1945, Sgt. Sparks was transported to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for rehabilitation and de-training. In March 1946, Sgt. Sparks was promoted to Platoon Sergeant. In April 1946, Platoon Sgt. Sparks was assigned to his new handler, PFC John (Jack) Patterson of Rochester, MI. PFC Patterson formally requested that Sparks live with him at his home residence at 611 Wilcox Street in Rochester. This request was approved by the United States Marine Corps. Platoon Sergeant Sparks remained a resident of Rochester until his death in 1947.
Platoon Sergeant Sparks was given a formal military service on July 6, 1947, at the Happy Hunting Grounds Memorial Park in South Lyon, Michigan. Under the leadership and dedication of U.S. Army veteran Phil Weitlauf, these grounds have been beautifully restored and renamed the Michigan War Dog Memorial.
Sergeant Sparks received seven service citations for heroic participation in World War II.
RAHS plans to recognize Sparks’ accomplishments as part of the WWII Honor Roll & Monument Restoration project!