Story of Sgt Reckless, a horse so heroic during the Korean war she is listed alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa and John Wayne as one of our all-time heroes.
WEBSITE: Sgt. Reckless
Reckless joined the Marines to carry ammunition to the front lines for the 75mm Recoilless Rifle Platoon of the 5th Marines – and she quickly earned the love and respect of all of the Marines that served with her. Lt. Eric Pedersen paid $250 of his own money to a young Korean boy, Kim Huk Moon, for her.
It was not only Reckless’ heroics that endeared the Marines to her – it was her incredible antics off of the battlefield. Reckless had a voracious appetite. She would eat anything and everything – but especially scrambled eggs and pancakes in the morning with her morning cup of coffee. She also loved cake, Hershey bars, candy from the C rations, and Coca Cola – even poker chips, blankets and hats when she was being ignored – or if she was trying to just prove a point.
One of Reckless’ finest hours came during the Battle of Outpost Vegas in March of 1953. At the time of this battle it was written that, “The savagery of the battle for the so-called Nevada Complex has never been equaled in Marine Corps history.” This particular battle “was to bring a cannonading and bombing seldom experienced in warfare … twenty-eight tons of bombs and hundreds of the largest shells turned the crest of Vegas into a smoking, death-pocked rubble.” And Reckless was in the middle of all of it.
During this five-day battle, on one day alone she made 51 trips from the Ammunition Supply Point to the firing sites, 95% of the time by herself. She carried 386 rounds of ammunition (over 9,000 pounds – almost FIVE TONS! — of ammunition), walked over 35 miles through open rice paddies and up steep mountains with enemy fire coming in at the rate of 500 rounds per minute. And as she so often did, she provided a shield for several Marines who were trapped trying to make their way up to the front line. She was wounded twice, but that didn’t stop or slow her down.
Her heroics defined the word “Marine.” She was BELOVED by the Marines. They took care of her better than they took care of themselves – throwing their flak jackets over her to protect her when incoming was heavy, risking their own safety. Her Military Decorations included two Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with star, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, all of which she wore proudly on her red and gold blanket.
H/T Bernard
Az gal says
Horses can be incredibly stubborn & brave, with a one track mind. Reckless was one. A beautiful story, beautiful soul of a horse.
Shirley Ann says
I loved this wonderful bit of American History, Which shows the Horse as the most noble of Animals, along with our Brave Canine Warriors.
And to think that our own Civilian Leaders have invited Savages without hearts & Souls into our Beautiful Country.
For Years the Muslims’ “Blood Sport” of Polo, using Live cats as their Blood Feast, is the SICKEST & MOST REPUGNANT trait of these Beings, who now sit in Congress, ruling over us
BareNakedIslam says
It’s a great story and I still can’t believe Hollywood has never made a movie about her.
BLR says
meritorious battlefield promotions little horse made rank faster than any Marine I knew and a female at that ! was a spirited debate whether her name should be Courageous happens that not all Marines are good spellers so her name was shortened to Reckless . told to me by one who was there !!
BareNakedIslam says
BLR, Mr BNI disagrees. He says Sgt Reckless was with the Recoil Rifle Platoon which they called the Reckless Rifle. That’s where she got her name.
And she was known for walking all over the MLR, sticking her head in the tents looking for treats. Did you read the book about her? If not, we can send you a copy.
BLR says
might could be she was described by both names , knew she was attached to a recoiless outfit over there , did not read the book
BareNakedIslam says
BLR, email me your address and I’ll send it to you.
BLR says
Thanks will follow up on your generous offer , more reading less scuttlebutt will help to suppress that covering fire back from that gunner of yours … which is respected for it’s accuracy
BareNakedIslam says
My pleasure.
Therese says
Thanks for the replay Bonni, anything as good as this one deserves an encore. These are the feelings we have about real heroes, and this is what will defeat Islam the fact that we can feel and cry and feel the pain of others where those poor wretches cannot feel a thing.
Keith Mahone (aka Charles Martel) says
Horses are supposed to be one of the smartest animals. On some level I think Reckless knew she was helping her marines defend themselves and defeat an enemy.
Animals have such a endless capacity for love and loyalty. No offense to anyone on the list, but I do love animals quite a bit more than people. I have never had an animal lie to me, betray my confidence, slander me, belittle me, steal from me, offend my principles or my sensibilities, abandon me – I could go on and on.
As others have said, I cannot help but notice the deeply ingrained penchant for animal cruelty on the part of Muslims. They seem to always need to torture something. Cutting into flesh and watching something bleed is something that is part of their daily lives.
I think they just make excuses for their bloodlust with all their fake principles. If someone doesn’t do anything to offend them for awhile, they’ll just tighten the rules down some more so they can maintain the regular entertainment and keep the chopping block wet.
P.S. I’m glad Reckless was able to breed. I noticed one of her offspring was named “Chesty” after Chesty Puller, no doubt.
P.S.S. No animal is a Muslim.
barenakedislam says
Keith, if you have the stomach for it, watch the video of ‘horse fighting to the death’ – a favorite spectator sport of Muslims in the Philippines: http://barenakedislam.wordpress.com/2010/11/20/horses-fighting-to-the-death-in-a-muslim-festival-tradition/
Richard A. Stauffer says
Served with Reckless just north of the Imjin! After a short stint in Japan, I returned to MCRD as a Drill Instructor and later a Sea School Instructor. I often told stories about “the good sergeant” to our recruits. God Bless Reckless and the rest of the 5th Marine Regiment!
barenakedislam says
Richard, Semper Fi from a Marine wife. Mr. BNI was at Camp Pendleton while Reckless was still alive but he never heard about her. Glad you found this so people who missed the story the first time can see it now.
God Bless the Marines. Come back again, there are several of your fellow jarheads here.
Semper Fi.