How did a small mare sold outside a race track in Seoul, Korea for $250, become America’s greatest war horse?
In 1952, the United States Marine Corps paid $250 to a young Korean boy to purchase a young Mongolian horse. The boy was selling the mare for money to buy an artificial leg for his sister.
The horse’s humble beginning would eventually lead her to the front lines of the Korean War.
As if it were her destiny, the little horse took on this new role with grit and resilience.
Her name was Reckless and she was more than just a horse. She was a Marine.
When the U.S. Marines purchased Reckless, they trained her as a packhorse to carry ammunition to the front lines for the Recoilless Rifle Platoon of the 5th Marines.
The Marines named her “Reckless” after the recoilless rifle ammunition she carried.
Reckless was one of the troops.
The brave, intelligent mare developed a strong bond with her unit. She slept in the same tents and dined with the Marines. She became their trusted friend and during her multiple combat missions in the Korean War, she never once let them down.
In no time at all, Reckless was making supply runs without a handler.
The fearless mare left her mark in history toward the end of the Korean War during the Battle of Outpost Vegas.
In one day she made 51 trips to deliver ammunition to the front lines and carried wounded soldiers to safety.
She was awarded two Purple Hearts after being injured twice in battle.
Even after being injured, Reckless didn’t abandon her post or attempt to run off. She was committed, courageous and honorable just like a Marine.
She was specially trained to lie down under enemy fire and to avoid barbed wire. She was even taught hand signals.
Reckless carried “nearly 9,000 back-breaking pounds of ammunition from the supply point to the gun teams.” – History.com
Robin Hutton wrote a book about the magnificent war horse titled, Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse. Hutton tells the story of this very unique American hero.
Reckless was the first animal ever to earn an official rank in the Marine Corps in April of 1954 and was promoted to sergeant before retiring in November of 1954.
A hero till the end.
Reckless spent the rest of her days at California’s Camp Pendleton after receiving a hero’s homecoming. She meant so much to so many that when she passed away at the age of 20, she was buried with full military honors.
“She wasn’t a horse. She was a Marine,” Hutton said.
Sgt. Reckless was honored years later by a fellow Marine.
A bronze statue of Reckless was unveiled at the Kentucky Horse Park on the 50th anniversary of her death.
Sgt. Harold E. Wadley of the US Marine Corps, who served with Reckless, was present at the ceremony to honor her valiant service.
She was a fearless beauty that will never be forgotten.
Learn more about America’s most decorated warhorse in the 3 short videos below!
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