Piccolo Conscript: 21 Months in the Army

Piccolo Conscript is a memoir of 21 months spent in the United States Army. It is a factual account of short stories from induction to basic training and eventually serving in the military band while stationed in Korea during the late 1960s. There are stories of intrigue, humor, danger, thievery, arrest, illness, fire, explosions, music, friendships, charity and more. These stories are true, even though at times they may seem like a fabrication. The Korean experience turned out to be the most interesting phase of serving in the Army for this soldier. All characters mentioned represent actual people. This writing stems both from resentment at first for being drafted and having life interrupted and put on hold, and ending in a certain pride from having the opportunity to serve and learn respect for those who continue to serve and preserve our freedom. The most maddening thing about the Army is the fact that without regard to any other criteria the person that sits on the log the longest is in charge. Some of the weakest intellects in the world are barking orders at college graduates who have no recourse. This exposé looks beyond the trivialities of the men in green to the needs and desires of the Korean people that live and endure in their harsh surroundings. It spotlights true greatness in a simple man that reaches out to those in need when no one else lifts a finger to help. This experience alone was worth the effort.

John Mullin studied at John Herron Art Institute, University of Hawaii, and at the Academy of Fine Art and Villa Schifanoia, both in Florence, Italy. He holds a BFA in visual communications and MFA in sculpture. He has owned his own design studio for over 35 years. He served in the U.S. Army for 21 months from 1966 thru l968. He received an honorable discharge. He currently lives in Northwest Indiana.