By: 11B1SG
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Sergeant Reckless, was a mare of Mongolian horse breeding. She was purchased in October 1952 for $250 from a Korean stableboy at the Seoul racetrack who needed money. Reckless was bought by members of the United States Marine Corps, and trained to be a pack horse for the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. She quickly became part of the unit and was allowed to roam freely through camp, entering the Marines' tents, where she would sleep on cold nights, and was known for her willingness to eat nearly anything, including scrambled eggs, beer, coca-cola and, once, about $30 worth of poker chips.
She served in numerous combat actions during the Korean War, carrying supplies and ammunition, and was also used to evacuate wounded. Learning each supply route after only a couple of trips, she often traveled to deliver supplies to the troops on her own, without benefit of a handler. 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 to resupply multiple front line units. She was wounded in combat twice, given the battlefield rank of corporal in 1953, and then a battlefield promotion to sergeant in 1954, several months after the war ended. Using a vintage Thunderbolt horse, I repositioned the head and built the pack saddle and round canisters for the recoilless rifle ammo that Reckless carried to her Marine buddies. I had to go with the Dragon recoilless rifle, but it doesn't differ too much from the larger version used by the Marines in Korea.. |
| A very cool and unique project here old friend. I've never heard this story and it was a great one. You did a terrific tribute diorama to Reckless for sure. Love it! Special thanks for sending this awesome project in and sharing it with us. - GL |
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