The Curious Case Of The Oozlefinch

The chronicle of the Oozlefinch, air defense artillery’s unofficial mascot, is simultaneously well documented and elusive.

- 2nd Lt. George Myers and 2nd Lt. Mark Nassar

The chronicle of the Oozlefinch, air defense artillery’s unofficial mascot, is simultaneously well documented and elusive. It has disappeared and reappeared more times than scandal-ridden celebrities on social media, an act for which he has become notorious.

While there are as many opinions on the Oozle, as there are air defenders in the Army, the relationship between air defense and the Oozlefinch goes back longer than that between Mickey Mouse and Disney. 1 On the 50th anniversary of the air defense artillery, a history of its esteemed mascot and guardian is in order. From humble beginnings to present day, the Oozlefinch has constantly evolved and adapted to fit the espirit de corps of each successive generation of air defenders.

There are several rumors about the origin of the Oozlefinch. The most popular account holds that he was first sighted during the early 1900s at Fort Monroe, Va., by Capt. H.M. Merriam, flying tail-forward across a bar patio. 2 The most distinguishing feature Merriam noted about the Oozlefinch were his eyes – bloodshot, gawking and without eyelids or eyebrows.

One proposed explanation for the Oozle’s reverse-flight says that he does it to prevent dust and debris from lodging in his retinas. Another says it is because he cares more about where he has been than where he is going. 3 Following Merriam’s encounter, the legend of the Oozlefinch spread rapidly and became a hot topic of conversation among the Coast Artillery Corps. In 1905, a statue in his image took perch above the mantle in the Fort Monroe Officers’ Club, where he watched over artillery board meetings, and countless raucous evenings of dice games, drinking parties and officer shenanigans.