Hutton - Sgt. Reckless: Americas War Horse

PRAISE FOR

SGT. RECKLESS

Reckless is more than a story about a horse. It is a story of Marines and their horse. The ingenuity and compassion of Marines, even in battle, has always amazed me. These two traits, combined with a special horse we now know as Reckless, produced a legacy and a legend that lives today in Marine Corps lore. Robin Hutton has written the preeminent book on Reckless and her heroics.

General Walter E. Boomer, USMC (Ret.), Former Assistant Commandant of the United States Marine Corps and Marine Commanding General in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the Gulf War.

Robin Hutton has given us a stirring, extraordinary book about the true wartime journey a filly and her fellow Marines traveled together. Sgt. Reckless got the job done and Robin got the history right.

Victoria Racimo, co-author of Alicia Keyss The Journals of Mama Mae and LeeLee and founder and president, Palomino Entertainment Group

In Sgt. Reckless: Americas War Horse, Robin Hutton has masterfully crafted the definitive story of Reckless, the great little Korean mare who so boldly served alongside Marines of the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, 5th Marine Regiment, in the Korean War carrying ammunition under enemy fire. Hutton has shared Reckless with the world, ensuring her bravery will never be forgotten.

Colonel Walt Ford, USMC (Ret.), publisher and editor, LeatherneckMagazine of the Marines

After reading Robin Huttons stirring, heartfelt saga of the courageous, intelligent Sgt. Reckless, you wonder why she wasnt promoted to general. Robins account evokes echoes of War Horse but this story of a great equine Marine is true. Make sure you have a comfortable chair and a box of tissues because traveling the road with Sgt. Reckless will take you to places youve never been before. Both Robin and her inspiration are to be commended.

Michael Blowen, former arts and film critic for the Boston Globe and founder and president of Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement

The Korean War is often referred to as the forgotten war, but, among Marines, the memories of that bloody and frozen conflict are strewn with the names of heroes, brave actions, and incredible sacrifices. Robins new book about one of those forgotten warriorsone with four legs and a quirky appetiteadds detail, drama, and color to the documentation of the Korean War. Her research has brought new information and depth to the story. Bravo!

Lin Ezell, director, National Museum of the Marine Corps

Copyright 2014 by Robin Hutton

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper, website, or broadcast.

First ebook edition 2014

eISBN 978-1-62157-275-6

The Library of Congress has cataloged the hardcover edition as follows:

Hutton, Robin L.

Sgt. Reckless : Americas war horse / Robin Hutton.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Sergeant Reckless (War horse), approximately 1948-1968. 2. Korean War, 1950-1953--Campaigns. 3. War horses--United States--History--20th century. 4. United States. Marine Corps. Marine Regiment, 5th--Biography. 5. Korean War, 1950-1953--Artillery operations. 6. War horses--Korea (South)--History--20th century. 7. United States. Marine Corps--History--20th century. I. Title. II. Title: Sergeant Reckless, Americas war horse.

DS919.H88 2014

951.9042450929--dc23

2014019750

Published in the United States by

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Fugue For Tinhorns, from GUYS AND DOLLS, By Frank Loesser

1950 (Renewed) FRANK MUSIC CORP.

All Rights Reserved

Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation

Official Marine Corps Photos provided by Camp Pendleton Archives; Command Museum, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego; Leatherneck Magazine; National Archives; Kathy Reesey; San Diego History Center; USMC History Division, Quantico, VA.

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.

CONTENTS

A s 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.

This story is a fitting tribute to a dedicated, faithful MarineRecklessthen a symbol of courage to those who served with the 5th Marine Regiment in the 1950s. Now she is a legend of Marine Corps history.

Colonel Richard Rothwell, USMC (Ret.) One of just five surviving infantry battalion commanders (among eighteen) at World War IIs Battle of Iwo Jima. After the Korean War he served as commanding officer, 5th Marine Regiment.

A ll horses have a majestic quality, at least in my eyes. One image in particular keeps passing through my mind. Sometimes it comes by a sharp clap of thunder and lightning; at others, it is a full moon shining on one of my horsesand then always at the end of the month of March.

It is the image of a little sorrel mare loaded with 75 mm rounds on March 27, 1953, during our battle to secure Outpost Vegas in Korea. The image never seems to changeher head hangs low for balance as she struggles up the ridge, bringing ammo to the recoilless rifles of our 5th Marines.

She was a critical lifeline to the guns firing in support of us. They were depending on her. I was raised on a ranch/farm in the 1930s and 1940s where we depended on our horses and mules to help work our fields; but they were far more than tillers, horses were a loving part of our lives. We considered it a tragedy if one got hurt while skidding logs or mowing hay.

When I looked back toward the Main Line of Resistance (MLR) from the lower finger of Outpost Reno the night of March 27, I could hardly believe my eyes! There she was, Reckless, barely visible in the flare light, like the ghost of a horse packing 75s up to the guns! She faded in and out of sight and was gone as we continued with the stretchers.

My thoughts went back to our horses at home. I was so thankful that they were not here. They were well-trained ranch horses and used to all kinds of working noises and rifle shots during hunting season. But to withstand all the incoming rounds falling around Vegas? I dont think so.