Sgt Reckless - A Korean War Horse Hero
The story of Sgt Reckless, a horse so heroic during the Korean war she was
promoted to Staff Sergeant by the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps,
and is listed alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Martin
Luther King, Mother Teresa and John Wayne as one of our all-time heroes.

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Related Content
- Sgt Reckless: Combat Veteran (Magazine Page)
- ELITE: USMC First Reconnaissance Company of the Korean War, 1950-1953. (Book Review)
- "Chosin Few" Honored During 1st Marine Division 70th Anniversary (Photo Gallery)
- KOREA: The Search for a Korean War Hero (Article)
- Marine Corps Quotes (Magazine Page)
Today in USMC History
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1912 - Lt Alfred A. Cunningham became the first Marine officer assigned aviation duty.
Related Article: Marine Corps Aviation: The Early Days By Robert Sherrod Marine Corps Gazette (May 1952)
Historic Leatherneck Magazine Covers
Leatherneck Staff Artist, Technical Sergeant Robert Fleischauer, felt that our July cover should be commemorative of the Fourth of July. Since the members of the missile units are probably the Corps' best rocketeers, he picked them to perform a standard Fourth of July action. Whether or not the "Honest Johnny" is useful as a combat piece is a matter for debate, but you can't beat it for morale." [July 1957.]
“The Join Up on the Nick” by Major Alex Durr, USMCR, a member of the History Division, Marine Corps University, Quantico, Va.
Hospitalman Daniel T. Bobic, assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 3d Battalion, Second Marine Regiment, rappelled at the Jungle Warfare Training Center in Okinawa, Japan, in late April, 2002.
The oldest post of the Marine Corps, Washington, DC, is celebrating 200 years of excellence. Posed near the Barracks main gate were members of the official Color Guard of the United States Marine Corps (left to right): LCpl Joseph N. Keough, rifleman; Sgt Blake L. Richardson, Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps; Cpl Gerardo A. Guajardo, organizational color bearer; and LCpl Gregory A. Serwo, rifleman.
GySgt Verlando Frazier, East Coast Food Service Management Team, looked ready to dig into some of the new items included in MREs.
This photo by Sgt Earnie Grafton of Marines from Fox Co., 2/4 shows varied emotions as they greeted the coalition forces outside Kuwait city.
A fleet of trucks was needed to transport Dr. Felix de Weldon’s original model of the Iwo Jima flag-raising statue from the sculptor’s home in Newport, R.I., to the grounds of the Marine Military Academy at Harlingen, Texas. After the statue’s arrival, a nearly around-the-clock effort by skilled workmen was required in order to have the memorial reassembled and ready for dedication ceremonies on April 16, 1982.
In April this year (1981), two squadrons of AV-8A “Harriers” sailed for the Mediterranean aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau. Purpose of the cruise was to demonstrate the Navy/Marine Corps team’s capability to augment naval forces in any area of the World on short notice and to provide at-sea training for Marine Harrier pilots.
The cover of Leatherneck’s Bicentennial issue is an oil painting by the late Colonel Donald L. Dickson, USMCR. The painting depicts General George Washington’s Colonial troops at Gadsby’s Tavern in Alexandria, Va., during the French and Indian War.
Sightseeing tours for the men of the Marine Barracks, San Juan, Puerto Rico, include a trip to the El Morro Fortress. San Juan is now retired as a Post of the Corps.
The Marines in Vietnam have found that the programs which work best are those which operate close to the people. Our July cover is a mixed media (acrylic and charcoal) by Art Editor James L. Hopewell. It catches the spirit of Marines who enjoy their relationship with the Vietnamese around them.
In Naples, Italy, Marines are responsible for the internal security of the Headquarters of NATO’s Southern European Command, while the elite Carabinieri Corpa provides external security. PFC Robert M. Mallard’s NATO shield was admired by a Carabiniere as the two men prepared to take up their side-by-side posts at the entrance of the imposing NATO Headquarters, which appears in the background of this cover.
"We've Fought In Every Clime And Place": Stamping out the Caco Insurrection in the Republic d' Haiti.
Marine patrol fired on while fording the Coco River.
FROM OUR ARCHIVES: U.S. Marines And Miskito Indians: The Rio Coco Patrol Of 1928, published in the Marine Corps Gazette, November 1996.
Marine patrol fired on while fording the Coco River.
FROM OUR ARCHIVES: U.S. Marines And Miskito Indians: The Rio Coco Patrol Of 1928, published in the Marine Corps Gazette, November 1996.
January 2002: The Marines engraved another mark in the rich history of the Corps when they came from more than 400 miles offshore to establish a forward operating base south of Kandahar in the war on terrorism. The Marine CH-46 helicopter on the cover, photographed by PH1(AW/SW) Greg Messier, USN, fought in the desert sand to land and resupply Marines such as the ones (inset) photographed by Sgt Joseph R. Chenelly.
January 2001: This firefight during the Frozen Chosin Reservoir Campaign of 1950 was painted by “Chosin Few” veteran Jack Cannon, who served with Company B, 1st Battalion, Seventh Marine Regiment and resides in the warmer climes of New Mexico. The cover was part of Leatherneck’s 50th anniversary salute to the Korean War veterans.
January 1992: This cover photograph of runners during Marine Corps Marathon XVI in Washington, D.C., was photographed by Sgt Deirdre Hallett.
January 1991: This month’s cover by Ross Simpson captures the Marines’ waiting-but-ready posture in the Middle East.
January 1982: Participants in the Sixth Annual Marine Corps Marathon presented a colorful spectacle as they began the 26-mile, 385-yard run in Washington, D.C., November 1, 1981. The cover photo, by Tom Bartlett, was taken from a bridge overlooking Highway 50 about a half-mile from the starting line.
January 1981: Nearly 7,800 runners participated in the Fifth Annual Marine Corps Marathon held in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. The oldest finisher was 78; the youngest was 10. Leatherneck staffer Ron Lunn pre-positioned himself near the Nation’s Capitol to photograph runners during their 14th mile of the 26-mile, 385-yard course.
January 1972: This month’s cover, by Marine Combat Artist Peter Gish, shows members of the New Corps sightseeing in the Old World. While on liberty in Athens, Greece, the 3d Bn, Eighth Marines, were able to tour the Erektheon Porch and Cariatides. The water color is from the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Art collection.
Originally Published December 1983 -- Something tells us that we could date the cover without knowing when it was published.
Originally Published December 1972 -- We're not sure what's more interesting, Santa or the old style gas pump.
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This November 1992 article in the Marine Corps Gazette looked at the uniform regulations of 1859 and the attempt to standardize uniforms within the Corps. Read the story and see more pics.
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Comments
movie
IS there a book or movie out yet ? How wonderful it would be to read/see her entire story... there is so much more to animals than we ( even than the "experts) think
John Wayne
" John Wayne as one of our all-time heroes"
??? Wayne was a draft dodger. He also impersonated an officer by posing for photographs in a uniform (in Australia) during WWII while others were serving and dying. To include him in any military context is an insult to those who were the real thing.
john wayne
This base canard is continually repeated by idiots who have NO idea of what they were talking about.
1) Wayne had been medically disqualified for service.
2) He was also given a family deferment.
3) FDR himself had Wayne informed that it was more important that he stay home and do movies which would bolster those who did not fight.
4) Wayne still tried to enlist but was turned down. The owner of Republic Stuidios fought behind the scenes to ensure that Wayne would not go into the military as Wayne was his biggest star.
5) Wayne regretted to his dying day that he was never able to serve in the military.
This idiocy that he " dodged " the draft hounded him all his life and still does today.
My major in college was history and I'd taken every course one could take in US, World and California history and I've read multiple books on Wayne's life.
Those who keep repeating this stuff have NO knowledge of history !
They are blowhards and fools !
John Wayne was a draft dodger
Provide proof that John Wayne was a draft dodger or apologize
John Wayne
A little harsh on the Duke. From an article on the subject, " He specialized in the kind of movies a nation at war wanted to see, in which a rugged American hero overcame great odds. Recognizing that Hollywood was an important part of the war effort, Washington had told California draft boards to go easy on actors. Perhaps rationalizing that he could do more good at home, Wayne obtained 3-A status, "deferred for [family] dependency reasons." John Wayne was 34 when Pearl happened. He did more for morale by making 13 movies during the war than he could have by fighting as a single soldier.
Congressional Medical of Honor
She saved so many lives, more then any member of the armed forces, carring Wounded marines to the back, and carry heavy Ammo to them. Least we forget, she deserves it, and if the US doesn't ackownledge her with this award, no Marine should be awarded them. Sorry, she was meant to be there, and was a Marine all the way My husband was a Marine Hero as well. Let us remember all the fallen horses who died in wars for us
I was in trng at Pendleton wish I knew about Sgt Reckless then
I served in the USMC acitive from 1956 to 1958 discharged in 1962 and went thru Inf trng at Pendleton sure would have loved seeing the famous horse there then.
We owned and trained horses for many many years and still love and am around family and friends horses.
Cpl Hatton
Sure rememember Gen Randolph Mc Pate name remembered it from Boot Camp down at San Diego. Semper Fi to all the Marines today
I am in Gladstone N.D. and
I am in Gladstone N.D. and had some pictures developed in Dickinson, the nearest city around with a Wal-Mart, and as I was waiting a very kind man walked up and notice my pictures. We started talking and he said his name was Art Sickler (I pray I am spelling that correctly). I told him I was from Wildomar Ca. and he smiled and said he was stationed at Camp Pendleton during the Korean war. I told him that we only live 1 1/2 hrs. way from Pendelton. He said when he was there they had to take a fairy across to Coronado Island, I told him they now they this bridge that so high I hate to look down, he knew about it and we laugh. Our conversation went on for a while till I got my pictures, I'd would say a good 10 mins or more that we spoke and then I told him it was very nice to meet him and said good-bye. My friend and I walked around while before going to look at frames. When we got to the there, there he was again. We greeted each other again and then I started looking for what I needed. I mention to him that he seemed to be having the same luck finding what he needed as I was. That's when he told he was looking for a "shadow Box" for an amazing horse he took care of in the Marines. This horses name was..."Reckless". He told me the most amazing story that we had to of talked another 20 minutes. I could not get enough. Before we said good-bye one more time He told me to look "Reckless the Marine War Horse" up on youtube when I get a chance. I feel so very blessed to have met Mr. Sickler and I know I will run into another time being that Dickinson isn't that big of a city. This time I will listen till he is tired of talking. What an amazing Horse!!
Re: Gladstone, ND and Art
You got his name right. Art is a patient of mine and I was at his house yesterday. Him and his wife are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. While I was at his home we got got talking about Reckless. He took me to his den and there on his wall was a shodow box with his pictures of Reckless. We talked for awhile about her and your right, I could have listend to him all day about his memories of the war and his time with Reckless. What an amazing horse! He informed me that a movie may be made about her and also told me to search "Reckless Marine Horse". Thats how I got here. All of my patients are Vets, and I so enjoy their stories of the war. Its men and women like Art who make my job so special. It is an honor to take care of these guys.
Thank you for that wonderful
Thank you for that wonderful post. That man you were talking to is my father. Pretty special man!
Thank you for that wonderful
Thank you for that wonderful post. That man you were talking to is my father. Pretty special man!
sgt. reckless
Yes, Sgt. Reckless was an amazing horse. She took good care of her Marines and they took good care of her!
Here's a tribute to Sgt. Reckless and the brave Marines who fought with her and to those also who contine to stare in the face of danger, to keep us safe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOcS9W6FGKc
A horse owner
As a combat vietnam vet, I'm proud to hear her story. I was leaving from Pendleton when she passed away to a better place.
RECKLESS
WHERE CAN I GET THE FULLY STORY ON RECKLESS THE HORSE?
Just discovered this amazing creature.. question..
Is the recent movie based, or loosely based on Sgt Reckless? I had heard it was a "true story".
True Story
My father has been working with Robin Hutton on Sgt Reckless's story/movie. I know from the things he tells me that the research has been extensive with input from many Marines. Based on this, I feel it is safe to assume that the story is as true as possible this many years later.
SSgt Reckless
The animals are here to teach us how to treat others, and occasionaly how to fight. That little sorrel knew how to "take it to town". RIP SSgt. Reckless--may you spend eternity in "Semper Fi Heaven".
Reckless the original War Horse
With War Horse, the movie, just coming out, it's nice to be reminded of Reckless.
Well done
From one old mud marine to another well done SSgt Reckless! Johnny Allred Abq, NM
SSgt Reckless
SSgt Reckless is the real war horse not some mivie and a marine also! simpher fi reck less!
a friend sent this to me
I just read all the account of Reckless. It takes a devoted animal to do the things she did for our Marines during battle. All I can say from a daughter of a former marine, now deceased, is Semper Fi to Sgt. Reckless !
SGT. RECKLESS
Awesome story! Semper Fi, OOHRAW!
Horse lover to the bone
I just read about Sgt Reckless. WoW. -she was so faithful & seemed to know what she was doing there. This animal deserved all the love & honor she got. All animals are truly underestemated for their intelligence , love & loyalty. No one Will ever hurt an animal where I happen to be. Their a beautiful gift from our creator. I truly was touched when I s aw the story about Reckless and will never forget it. yours truly , Lou .
I just recently read an
I just recently read an account on Reckless that, though longer, was identical in it's content. I love horses, but more importantly, I am amazed and proud of this little horse. I am so glad that she was honored anf brought to the states and given good care and honored for her service to our country. Her story is inspiring and is another reason we should appreciate all animals.
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