Sgt. Reckless, Revisited

Jonn got an e-mail from one of our TAH readers recently, and forwarded it to me.  It was the story of “Sgt Reckless” – the equine Marine.

I guess the reader must have missed the story I wrote and posted at TAH about Sgt Reckless some months back.   Still, it’s worth repeating.

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Yesterday (author’s note:  this article was originally published here at TAH on 27 July 2013), the Commandant of the Marine Corps honored a “Marine” from the “Forgotten War” – Korea.  A statue was dedicated in her honor at a park near the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Yes, you read that correctly – “her”.  The statue was of “Sgt. Reckless”.  She had four feet – or, more precisely, four hooves.

“Sgt. Reckless” was a war horse.  Literally.

Though not today particularly well-remembered, pack animals were used by the US military in both World War II and the Korean War.  They were at times literally lifesavers.

For the Marines fighting near Outpost Vegas in March 1953, “Sgt. Reckless” was indeed a lifesaver.  (emphasis added)

When the Chinese first attacked, lighting up the sky with tons of incoming fire, Reckless was frightened. She ran to a bunker, where the Marines found her covered with sweat. But the Marines calmed her and sent her on her mission.

Reckless is credited with making 51 trips in a single day from the ammunition point to the recoilless rifles, which were firing continuously as Marines fought to push the Chinese back.

She carried 386 rounds of ammunition totaling more than 9,000 pounds and walked over 35 miles. Most of the time she walked alone, knowing the route by instinct. “Her gun crew kept firing,” Wadley said.

Outpost Vegas was retaken after a five-day battle.

The Army Times has an excellent story on the dedication, giving additional background.  It’s well worth taking the time to read it.

And in case you’re wondering:  yes, the USMC did indeed bring her back to the US at the end of the war.  She died at Camp Pendleton in 1968.

Well done, “Sgt. Reckless”.  Damn well done.

Category: Historical, Marine Corps