About The Book "The Foundered Mule"
(From the Preface)
Actually, this is not a story of a mule, it is a semi-fictitious story of American Indians who served in the United States Army during World War II. To my knowledge, there has never been an account of Native Americans who enlisted in the Armed Forces during America's concern over the threat of war that was generating in Europe, thus becoming the start of the Second World War. The title, "The Foundered Mule," was the Arizona National Guard Regimental March. It was composed and directed by the late Carl Hoyer, Warrandt Officer, who was the National Guard band leader. Whenever the Foundered Mule was played, former members of the Arizona National Guard, and former members of the 158th Regimental Combat Team, marched to this tune with their heads held high as they stepped out with pride while clinging to their rifles, because this was their "booster" of irreplaceable honor!
During the early stages of 1940, the Arizona National Guard was one of the many units being Federalized by the United States Government because the storm of war was developing in Europe. They were quickly sent to Ft. Still, Oklahoma, and attached to the 45th Devision. They were no longer a National Guard Unit, but members of the United States Army.
After mobilization of each unit, and the replenishment of the regiment with more inductees, the 158th received orders to proceed to Camp Barkley, Texas. this movement to Texas became the larges operation of troops made at this time. More draftees were placed in the regiment and Company F was no longer an all Indian Copmpany, but turned into a mixed Company of different races with the majority still being American Indians. After more extensive training, not only at Camp Barkley, but during heavy maneuvers in Louisiana, the 158th was nwo ready for action.
Suddenly, the attack was made by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor! The 158th were quickly detached from the 45th Division and received orders to proceed to New Orleans to embark aboard a transport ship that would carry them to the Panama Canal Zone. There, they woud continue their overall training in jungle warfare. This is where the 158th received its regimental name, the "Bushmasters," from the most feared poisonous snake that dwelled in the thick jungles in this region. this story will bring back some memories of former members of the 158th and their courageous step in facing the well trained enemy of the imperial forces of Japan.
The "Bushmasters" proved their stand against the enemy in such a heroic desplay that the Supreme Commander, General Douglas McArthur, branded them by saying, "No greater fighting combat team has ever deployed for battle!"