Sgt. Reckless became a war hero to Marines fighting in Korea 60 years ago. The small Mongolian horse hauled supplies and ammunition on the front lines through constant gunfire for soldiers who last week remembered the bravery of their four-legged hero.
The mare became a national hero after a published article in the Saturday Evening Post described her service. Under heavy fire in 1953, she ran 51 supply trips in a single day. The mare was promoted to Staff Sergeant and is now immortalized in a bronze statue unveiled on the grounds of the Marine Base in Triangle, Virginia July 26.
During the five-day Battle of Outpost Vegas, Sgt. Reckless was in the midst of bombs dropping. Enemy soldiers could see her as she made her way across the deadly “no man’s land” rice paddies and up the steep 45-degree mountain trails that led to the pinned down US Marines.
“It’s difficult to describe the elation and the boost in morale that little white-faced mare gave Marines as she outfoxed the enemy bringing vitally needed ammunition up the mountain,” Sgt. Maj. James E. Bobbitt recalled.
Beloved by the Marines, the horse carried 386 rounds of ammunition (over 9,000 pounds) traveling over 35 miles during the battle. They took care of the impressive animal – throwing their flak jackets over her to protect her when incoming was heavy and risking their own safety.
According to the Sgt. Reckless website, “Her Military Decorations include two Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with star, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, all of which she wore proudly on her red and gold blanket, along with a French Fourragere that the 5th Marines earned in WW1.”
(WATCH the video below, or READ the story from CBS)