In October 1952, Lieutenant Eric Pederson, commander of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division’s Recoilless Rifle Platoon, buys a young filly from a racetrack in South Korea to help his soldiers fight in the rugged mountain terrain of the Korean War. The Marines name her Reckless, after the weapon she is to supply.

After several smaller actions, Reckless has her defining moment in March of 1953. The five-day battle for Outpost Vegas was not only brutal, but a notable juncture in the Korean War. On one day, Reckless makes 51 trips, mostly by herself, tirelessly transporting over nine thousand pounds ammunition up to her guns. Returning with wounded, she was twice wounded herself. Reckless would later receive two purple hearts and the official rank of Sergeant for her extraordinary heroics. A national hero, Reckless traveled to the United States in 1954 to be stabled at Camp Pendleton, CA. There, she continued her duties as a US Marine and further achieves the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Her death in 1968 was front page news but soon the memory of her heroics would fade. Now, through tireless dedication to honor this mare and her Marines, the legacy of Sgt. Reckless, once again, resonates throughout the Corps. It should resonate throughout this country, and the world, as well.