Reckless: Pride of the Marines

Reckless, first published in 1955, is the heart-warming story of Reckless, a small horse whose faithful service to U.S. Marines during the Korean War boosted morale and made her a national hero. The book is in two parts, with the first describing the life of Reckless and her owner, a young Korean boy. Forced to sell his beloved horse due to family medical needs, Reckless (then named Flame-of-the-Morning) was purchased by Lieutenant Eric Pedersen, who renamed her Reckless for the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Division, of the 5th Marines she’d be joining. Part Two describes Reckless' service with the Marines as she carried ammunition, cable-wire and other supplies to frontline troops. She was wounded twice in battle, received two Purple Hearts, and was awarded the rank of staff sergeant. With the end of the war, Reckless was brought to the United States and retired to Camp Pendleton until her death in 1968. In honor of her service, in 2013 the Sgt. Reckless Memorial Monument was dedicated at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Included are 14 pages of photographs.