 In advertising and film , Howerton found success beyond the sideshow . During the 1930s , he was used as a mascot for the recruitment side of the United States Marine Corps . His biggest role in acting was with 1939 's The Wizard of Oz , in which he played the part of a trumpet @-@ playing Munchkin , Herald # 3 , who announced the arrival of the mayor . He was one of the smallest Munchkins in Oz . Howerton also appeared in several shorts of the comedy program Our Gang , including the 1932 short , " Free Eats " . 
