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Loading... Sgt. Reckless: America's War Horse (2014)by Robin Hutton
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. To be clear, I think Reckless' story is an impressive one. My rating is not off Reckless but rather a reflection of how poorly this book is written. I can't recommend it when there are others available that might lack this books non-existent timeline and painful repetitiveness, rounded off by a story that culminates with its focus on the writer instead of Reckless. Most animals who go through war are laborers or mascots, they are not active service members and their "ranks" are honorary. That is not the case with Reckless, who actively served as a marine and was given an actual rank and honors fitting her deeds in the Korean War. This book is well written and manages to be both about the Korean War and Reckless at the same time. Most books that I have read about an animal cover the owners more than the animal, but Robin Hutton wrote this book about Sergeant Reckless. You learn about the Korean War through the horse's training and service. By the end, you feel as if you actually experienced some part of her bravery in person. I highly recommend this book. This is a Marine that can not be forgotten. The story is touching, the storytelling is moving, and the history is eye-opening. There was a time when everyone in the nation knew the name Staff Sergeant Reckless, it is time for her to become that well known again. I have a post with more detail about the book here: Staff Sergeant Reckless, A True Marine no reviews | add a review
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The story of the Mongolian mare, who, despite only measuring about thirteen hands high, became an American hero for her actions during the Korean War, being awarded two Purple Hearts for her valor and being officially promoted to staff sergeant twice, a distinction never bestowed upon an animal before or since. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)951.904History and Geography Asia China and region Korean PeninsulaLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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Hutton's story dragged toward the end of the book, however. Most of the final chapters was about life of Sgt. Reckless after being put to pasture at Camp Pendelton and a variety of marines assigned as her handler. The book ends with a description of the author's efforts to ensure the brave horse is commemorated with plaques, statues, a book, and a movie.
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