Army·Technology obsolescence·In Memoriam
Mule Packer
Muleskinner
Served: continuous–1956
Hauled artillery, ammo, and rations on mule strings through terrain no truck could follow.
The Story
The 10th Mountain Division needed 7,000 mules and 500 replacements a month in the Italian Apennines. Five mules carried one disassembled 75mm howitzer; the 105mm took seven. In 1944 most of the 10th's mules were shipped to Burma to support Merrill's Marauders — many died at sea on the way.
Epitaph
“Hauled the howitzer. Drowned in transit. Replaced by the Huey.”
Sources
- Army.mil — 10th Mountain Muleskinnerwww.army.mil
- QM Museum — Horses and Mulesqmmuseum.army.mil