No fearsome mascot

The recent Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article, “Guard’s ‘Bowie Team’ turns 50,” brought back memories of when the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 153rd Infantry Regiment, of the 39th Infantry Division of the Arkansas National Guard displayed an emblem not so fearsome as the Bowie knife.

When I, along with other thousands in the 153rd were members in the late ’50s and early ’60s, the emblem emblazoned on all our helmet liners was “The Old Gray Mare.” I have no idea as to her origin as the regiment’s mascot. She was pictured as a gray, scrawny, laughing, sway-backed mare prancing along with her tail and two hooves held high—all on a blue background. Moreover, the tune “The Old Gray Mare, She Ain’t What She Used To Be” was the 153rd’s song.

I recall our parades that passed in review at Fort Polk, La. As the guide-ons of the 153rd approached the reviewing stand, the military band ceased its normal march tune and broke out into “The Old Gray Mare.” It put a spring into our step and straightened our ranks as we marched by. It was a great feeling.

In one instance in September 1957, I and others were headed in convoy to Little Rock in the wee dark hours of the morning, courtesy of President Eisenhower. We unloaded from the backs of our open 6x6s at Anderson’s Restaurant at Beebe. Stiff, chilled and sleepy, we staggered inside for a prepared breakfast. Inside sat a Hammond organ, normally played by a lady who serenaded Sunday lunch patrons. Someone had roused out the poor organist at 4 a.m., and as we stumbled into the restaurant, we were met with “The Old Gray Mare.” I’ll never forget it.

I treasure my old helmet liner, with The Old Gray Mare, now scratched and worn but still visible on one side and the 39th Infantry Division decal on the other. Undoubtedly the Bowie knife is an important symbol to recognize over its 50-year existence, but I think it is equally important not to forget its predecessor. CHARLES F. COLE JR.

Little Rock