A Horse Named "Reckless" - Korean War Hero

First off, I really couldn't find a forum where this "fit" other than General Chat, so here it is. I received an email from my dad with the following written in it. It's a pretty amazing story, along with a Youtube video. This horse was amazing, and a true hero.

Reckless was a packhorse during the Korean war, and she carried recoilless rifles, ammunition and supplies to Marines. Nothing too unusual about that, lots of animals got pressed into doing pack chores in many wars.

But this horse did something more during the battle for a location called Outpost Vegas, this mare made 50 trips up and down the hill. On the way up she carried ammunition, and on the way down she carried wounded soldiers. What was so amazing? Well, she made every one of those trips without anyone leading her.

I can imagine a horse carrying a wounded soldier, being smacked on the rump at the top of the hill, and heading back to the safety of the rear. But to imagine the same horse, loaded with ammunition, and trudging back to the battle where artillery is going off, without anyone leading her is unbelievable.

To know that she would make 50 of those trips is unheard of. How many horses would even make it back to the barn once, let alone return to you in the field one single time.

She was retired at the Marine Corps Base in Camp Pendleton where a General issued the following order...she was never to carry any more weight on her back except her own blankets. She died in 1968 at the age of 20.

How bad was the battle for Outpost Vegas?? Artillery rounds fell at the rate of 500 per hour, and only two men made it out alive, without wounds. Just two. And a horse, and she was wounded twice.

So here is a clip of her story and photos to prove where she was and what she did.

Animals amaze me more than humans sometimes.

Many think of them as just that...animals. But to me, they have always been more than that.

I have had many in my life. Cats, dogs, birds, a horse, rabbits, chickens (yes even chickens) and I have always been able to form a bond, if not a mutual respect and friendship.

I have heard of this horse before and thanks for bringing the vid to ATS.

S&F

Peace

Great share, indeed an amazing story! Animals are often the forgotten heros of war and history.

I'm glad you have enjoyed it. When I read stories like this, it's pretty humbling. I'm just glad that I received the email from my dad, and was able to share it with you all.