Utilizing war-horses was far from new by the time the Korean War broke out. However, one filly would end up fulfilling a unique role and becoming a Marine. Sgt. Reckless didn’t just serve among fellow Devil Dogs but truly embodied the spirit of the branch and made an impressive impact during the Battle of Outpost Vegas. Her legend remains to this day, and there is a continued push to keep the legacy of Reckless alive.
Sgt. Reckless Enlists in the Marines
Becoming a Marine was ultimately the destiny she faced, yet Sgt. Reckless could have had an entirely different life.
Born in South Korea in 1948, she was named Ah-Chim-Hai (Flame of the Morning) by her owner Kim Huk Moon due to her blazing coat.
Her path was to become a racehorse; however, the Korean War began in 1950, changing the path Reckless would take.
In 1952, Lt. Eric Pedersen went to the Seoul Racecourse. He was in search of a pack animal capable of bringing heavy ammunition in tough environments for the troops fighting in remote portions of South Korea.
Sadly, Kim Huk Moon’s sister, Chung Soon, had lost her leg after an accident involving a land mine. So, she needed an artificial one.
Kim sold his horse for $250, which Lt. Pedersen paid for himself. This was to buy his sister the leg she required and a life of service began for Reckless.
Sgt. Reckless was a war horse that rose up the ranks and made a name for herself both on and off the battlefield.
Known for eating, there really wasn’t much of anything Sgt. Reckless wouldn’t eat, including blankets if she was ignored for too long.
However, she may be best remembered for drinking pints with her fellow Marines during downtime.
The Battle of Outpost Vegas
The life of going from a racehorse to a war horse was no more prevalent for Sgt. Reckless than the Battle of Outpost Vegas.
It was virtually impossible to escape the hectic battle, as bombs were going off in every way imaginable. Nevertheless, Reckless continued to traverse the battlefield, including no man’s land, to deliver much-needed ammo to fellow Marines.
It was five days of chaos, where enemies were firing round after round through rice paddies offering virtually no cover and mountains that were nearly impossible to climb.
Nevertheless, Sgt. Reckless was able to move nearly five tons of ammo throughout the battle, with most trips being on her own.
It was because of her actions during the Battle of Outpost Vegas that Reckless would earn the rank of Sergeant and the undying respect of her fellow Marines.
Ultimately, her journey would take her to retire at Camp Pendleton. This is where she was twice promoted to Staff Sergeant. Here, she was able to live out the rest of her days in much better accommodations.
Books, TV Appearances, and a Movie
There are at least two books written about the infamous Marine war horse, including Reckless: Pride of the Marines by Lt. Colonel Andrew Geer, based on his notes kept about her during the Korean War. Additionally, Robin Hutton wrote Sgt Reckless: America’s War Horse.
There were additional media outlets that would go on to tell the story of Sgt. Reckless. This includes the radio and television show House Party with Art Linkletter.
Ed Sullivan was a huge fan and offered to pay for the travel expenses; however, due to a typhoon, the trip never materialized and her appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show never came to be.
However, the Marines didn’t just give media access to just anyone as they were protective of Reckless. This is, after all, the same horse protected at their expense with flak jackets while in the heat of battle.
There are also ongoing efforts to create a movie about Sgt. Reckless and her incredible story.
Where Is Sgt. Reckless Buried?
You’ll find Sgt. Reckless buried with full honors in California at Camp Pendleton, where she lived out her retirement. However, there are calls to move her to Arlington National Cemetery.
While Camp Pendleton is a fitting place because she would call the base her home after retiring there on November 10, 1960, access to her grave is limited.
Keep in mind that Reckless has earned many awards, including the following:
- Purple Hearts (2)
- Good Conduct Medal
- Presidential Unit Citation with Star
- National Defense Service Medal
- Korean Service Medal
- United Nations Service Medal
- Navy Unit Commendation
- Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
- PDSA Dickin Medal
- The Animals in War and Peace Medal of Bravery (first of its kind)
She is considered a highly decorated Marine. Because of her efforts on the battlefield, there is a push to make her grave more accessible.
This movement is led by voices, such as Marine Corps Vet Dylan Clark. He believes she would be fitting for either Arlington National Cemetery or Quantico, due to her service.
As it stands, there are six national monuments dedicated to the life and service of Staff Sergeant Reckless. They are found at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, the Kentucky Horse Park, Barrington Hills, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, and the World Equestrian Center.
The project to move Reckless prides itself on funding itself without the help of the government and completing the burial without taking away from the plots of human Veterans.
If you’d like to support the effort to get Sgt. Reckless into the Arlington National Cemetery, you can do so by signing this petition.
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- The Animals in War and Peace Medal of Bravery Recognizes Valiant Animals
- Did James Earl Jones Serve in the Military?