This is a true story about a war hero named Reckless who served in numerous combat operations during the Korean War. What’s unusual about this? Reckless was a horse who carried supplies and ammunition, and was also used to evacuate the wounded. We often do not consider the intelligence of God’s creation and how loving and loyal they can be. She was chestnut colored with a blaze and three white stockings. Her bloodline is unconfirmed but was thought to be primarily Mongolian. However, she did have some features, particularly the shape of her head, that were similar to horses of Thoroughbred lineage. She was small, standing only 14 hands and weighing 900 pounds. She was estimated to be around three or four years old when she was purchased by Marine Lieutenant Eric Pedersen in October 1952 for $250.
As a racehorse, she was sold to the Marines by her owner, a young Korean stable boy who had named the horse “Ah Chim Hae” which is translated as “Light of Dawn.” He said he needed the money to purchase an artificial leg for his sister who had stepped on a landmine. The marines were fighting on difficult mountain terrain and needed help packing heavy mortar shells to the front line. Little did they know how significant she would be. The soldiers renamed her “Reckless” as a contraction of the name of the Recoilless rifles that she would be supplying with ammunition, and a nod to the daredevil attitude associated with those who were experts with these weapons.
She picked up communication quickly as they taught her battlefield survival skills such as how not to become entangled in Barbed wire and to lie down when under fire. She learned to run for a bunker when hearing the cry, “Incoming!” When learning a new delivery route, Reckless would only need someone to lead her a few times, and from then on she would make the trips on her own. When not in battle, Reckless carried other items for the platoon, and was particularly useful for stringing telephone wire. Carrying heavy reels of wire on her back as she walked, she could string as much wire as twelve men on foot. Recognized for her astounding intelligence, she quickly became a respected and beloved member of the unit and was allowed to roam freely through camp, entering their tents and sleeping next to their stoves on cold nights. She was known for her willingness to eat nearly anything, including bacon and scrambled eggs, beer, soft drinks, even her blankets, and once, about $30 worth of poker chips.
The highlight of her nine-month military career came in late March 1953 during the Battle for Outpost Vegas when, in a single day, she made 51 solo trips carrying a total of 386 rounds (over 9,000 pounds) and covering over 35 miles. On her return trips back to camp, she would carry wounded or deceased soldiers. This battle lasted 3 days in which she was wounded twice by shrapnel over the left eye and another injury to her left flank. For her tremendous accomplishments during this battle, Reckless became the first animal to receive the military rank of corporal and later was promoted to sergeant. She also became the first horse in the Marine Corps known to have participated in an amphibious landing.
Books and songs have been written about her bravery, and after she was retired and brought to the United States after the war, she made appearances on television and special events. She was officially promoted to staff sergeant in 1959 by the Commandment of the Marine Corps. She gave birth to four foals in the U.S. and passed away in May 1968. Numerous statues and plaques have been made in her honor and for her exemplary service to the Marine Corps, Reckless was awarded two Purple Hearts, a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation with bronze star, the National Defense Service Medal, a Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze stars, the United Nations Korea Medal, a Navy Unit Commendation, and the Animals in War and Peace Medal of Bravery, among others. In 1997, Reckless was listed by LIFE magazine as one of America’s 100 all-time heroes.
I wrote a story a couple of years ago about another magnificent horse named Beautiful Jim Key and his ability to read and count. I love and admire all animals and more than just how smart and innocent they are, I’m amazed at how they love us unconditionally.
Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com
