Was he in Iowa? Was he shot and killed? A Bird Lover, game warden? Could be a reference to his service in the war if he was a sharpshooter or sniper.
Here is what I found doing a Google search of the term. It is on the front of a Post Card sent in 1954.
"THERE IS A BIRD IN THE ZOO / CALLED THE PELICAN / IOWA STATE FAIR" Back continues: "These pelicans were crippled by shooters who didn't / know or care that the big birds are protected in / Iowa...Make sure of your target, shoot / only at lawful game species, and give rare birds / and animals a chance for survival."
"Lengthy & interesting ecological message sent 1954 at Des Moines, black & white post card, toned back, small corner crease, unusual subject matter. $6.00 ebi"
This is the website with an image of the post card of 2 pelicans:
http://www.judnick.com/Birds.htm