European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 06, 1977, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Tuesday september 6,1977 the stars and stripes Page 9 rather Balky about it of ten a to l sergeant allowed a new hitch Story and photo by Rick Maze staff writer Baum older Germany is a real jackass reenlisted Here during a Bat Talion formation although the Soldier does t appear to mind being called one. Close friends of sgt. Deuce Johnson of service Btry 1st in 2nd Field arty confided that the sergeant showed consider Able reluctance before the reenlistment ceremony held before several Hundred soldiers and officers Here. But the ceremony went on anyway and the Young sergeant reenlisted for three More years of duty in his present , As he is commonly referred to by members of his unit entered the army in 1971 and although he has a few blemishes on his military record he quickly move Dup through the ranks to become an no officials said. The 8th inf div officials said that on at least two occasions when Deuce was awol he was busted Down a  he was finally promoted to sergeant in Janu Ary the same time he was reassigned from the battalion Headquarters to service Bat Tery a spokesman said. Capt. Ted Nulle Deuce s present Bat Tery commander said As Long As he s been a member of my unit Deuce has not been awol. He did fail to repair not being in the right place at the right time once but that was t really his fault. Someone was cutting grass and Deuce just walked out the Gate and went for a Little  Deuce also known As first Deuce is a Donkey the Mascot for the Field artillery battalion. He joined or was donated to the 1st in 2nd Field arty Here in 1971. Unit officials Don t like to Call him a Donkey. Nulle explained our unit Crest shows a mule carrying an artillery piece. If Deuce is our Mascot he can t be a Burro he s got to be a  most unit members Call Deuce a Donkey Burro or jackass. Deuce s reenlistment was part of a awards ceremony for the battalion. When the battalion commander it. Col. William Heyman announced persons to be awarded front and Center Deuce re artillerymen s stubborn Mascot sgt. Deuce Johnson Mascot for the 1st in 2nd Field arty reenlist for three years in a ceremony at Baum older. Maine behind the battalion formation eating grass and kicking his heels hooves. Deuce s handler and caretaker pvt. Dale Mcdonald said he did t seem to interested in the other awards but then he administering the oath is service Bat Tery commander capt. Ted Nulle. Donkey handler pvt. Dale Mcdonald was t interested in his reenlistment  Mcdonald 20, of Bangor Maine is a Mechanic with the Battery. He has volunteered to feed and care for the unit Mascot. After the other awards were out of the he s an old cowhand who raised his hand the German american Volk fest Iberlin with its theme of Tombstone ariz., provided a novel As Well As color Ful reenlistment scene. Sgt. Ted Poole second from left hic 3rd in 6thinf, Berlin brigade takes the oath from capt. James Grey Volk fest officer also of Berlin brigade. Serving As wit Nesses were sheriff Wyatt Earp played by Horst Fuchner at far left and Tom Mclowry alias s. Sgt. Donald court Ney. Army photo by Peter Palmer holds Deuce s head while pfc. Ben Reed makes sure that Deuce has raised his right Hoof for the oath. Way Deuce was called front and Center. Nulle prepared to read the reenlistment oath telling Deuce raise your right Hoof and repeat after  to the Surprise of the rest of the formation Deuce did both. Nulle had previously recorded the reenlistment oath with another Captain play ing the part of Deuce. Deuce s statement was filled with  a string had been tied to Deuce s right front leg and when tugged the Donkey raised his Hoof. Mcdonald said it was t necessary to dub in the Donkey s voice. If i whisper in his ear hell  Mcdonald admits Deuce s fellow soldiers might not have understood what was being said however. At the end of the oath Nulle was re minded by other members of the unit that a handshake was appropriate. Deuce extended his right Hoof Shook Hoof to hand with his commander and then turned an trotted off. Mcdonald said Deuce does t like Cere monies but does enjoy running with the Battery. Nulle said when it in t too warm Deuce runs behind the Battery on fridays. It s been warm lately and we Don t want him to overheat Nulle said. Deuce is not to blame for his two awol Mcdonald said. During a unit party someone fed him some Beer and cig  the sick drunk Donkey escaped his Corral but was quickly recaptured he said. The 6-year-old Donkey was donated to the battalion in 1971 by a local Farmer officials said. Deuce has his own army personnel file and takes part in unit organization Days and ceremonies. He loves giving kids rides Mcdonald said. After the ceremony Deuce got out of his uniform and went Back to work mowing grass inside his pen. He does t always work hard or quite right Mcdonald said. Deuce thinks the grass is Greener outside the Fence. Hell probably go awol  Hope he does t get busted too Low the handler said