Now, this is a story out of Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, about a "Veteran", who was a bit of an Ass.
"Wind River" was one of the last Army Mules back in the 1930's. When he died, he was 'memorialized' and eventually became part of a display in the Ft. Sill Artillery Museum.
The Taxidermist had to use a Zebra Form, so, Old Wind River looks a might peculiar.
The venerated "Wind River" is displayed next to a 'One-Pounder'/Muzzle-Loading Cannon fastened to a Pack Saddle.
This equipment was part of a bad experiment.
The original intent was that this light gun be fired, from the pack-frame, on the back of a Mule!
This 'rig' was tried on an Army mule back in the 1880's. That wise mule became upset during the public display of him and his unusual load.
He began spinning round & round with a loaded cannon, much to the horror of his audience.
Eventually, he stepped on the lanyard, harmlessly discharging the cannon. The force of recoil knocked the Half-Ass on his arse, in a creek.
It took hours to recapture the poor abused creature.
I guess this qualifies as both an Early SNAFU and a One Shot Deal.
I think "Wind River" deserved a better fate than to be coupled with this comedy .... and a Zebra!! ...
Mules are pretty smart and have feelings, you know.
Of course, there have continued to be heroic Mules in later U.S. conflicts.
I imagine this story does capture aspects of Military Service in a microcosm!
