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Sgt. Reckless: America's War Horse (2014)

by Robin Hutton

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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.… (more)
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Robin Hutton's book, "Sgt. Reckless" tells the amazing story of a Marine Corps horse during the Korean War. Reckless was purchased from a Korean race track by a Marine Platoon with the hopes that the horse would be able to carry ammunition to field guns. Marines had been fulfilling this mission, but the terrain and heavy loads made the task most difficult. The horse, it was hoped, would be able to carry more, and up steep slopes, much quicker and more efficiently than any marine. Reckless surpassed any dreams or expectations. The horse was trained to carry the heavy loads and traverse the challenging terrain, and could make trips to and from the field guns without fail. The story of the horse's activity during battles is absolutely amazing. With artillery shells falling around her, the horse bravely continued, and often would carry wounded soldiers down the hills after bringing much needed shells up the hill. And Reckless would make the trip, time and time again. The horse became an essential member of the Marine platoon, and was formally recognized with the official Marine Corps rank of sergeant. Following the war, Sgt. Reckless was brought back the the States and remained at the Marine Corps Camp Pendelton in Southern California until she died.

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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  rsutto22 | Jul 15, 2021 |
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. ( )
  lclclauren | Sep 12, 2020 |
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 ( )
  mirrani | Jul 8, 2015 |
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» Add other authors (5 possible)

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Robin Huttonprimary authorall editionscalculated
Karamales, JayCartographersecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
Pereira, J. HenryCover designersecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
Rothwell, RichardContributorsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
Wadley, Harold E.Prefacesecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
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To Reckless, for just being . . . Reckless!
To her Marines that loved and cared for her and kept her spirit alive in their hearts all these years;
To everyone who shared a little piece of her with me . . .
I am eternally humbled, blessed, and grateful.
You have forever changed my life.
This book is for you.
I also dedicate this book to my dearest friend, Tom "Billy Jack" Laughlin, who not only taught me the nine ingredients in writing, but also believed in me and this project every step of the way. He saw the writer in me long before I ever knew she was in there. For that, I will always be grateful. I miss you, my dear friend. (Author's Note)
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As commanding officer of the 5th Marine Regiment, I had the honor of conducting the ceremony promoting Sgt. Reckless to staff sergeant upon her return to Camp Pendleton from Korea with the 5th Marine Regiment in 1957. (Colonel Richard Rothwell, USMC (Ret.) One of just five surviving infantry commanders (among eighteen) at World War II's Battle of Iwo Jima. After the Korean War, he served as commanding officer, 5th Marine Regiment.)
All horses have a majestic quality, at least in my eyes. (Preface: Remembering Sergeant Reckless, by Sgt. Harold E. Wadley, USMC (Ret.)
In 1997, Life magazine's special collectors edition, "Celebrating our Heroes," recognized the usual statesmen and inspirational figures children learn about in school. (Introduction)
The Korean War began in 1950, when Communist North Korea invaded South Korea.
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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.

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