Ssgt Reckless

A recent article on Yahoo news inspired me to write this blog / book review.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-marine-corps-horse-honored-korean-war-valor-095238510.html
Listed among the top 100 greatest heroes of the last century, is one SSgt Reckless; A Korean racehorse mare, often called a Mongolian, but her actual breed is a mystery.
She 'joined' the Marines when a Lieutenant bought her during the Korean conflict. She served with such distinction as a ammo carrier and as an ambulance when wounded men need to be evacuated, that four years ago, a memorial was dedicated to her at the Marine Corps Museum. And now, as the above article states, she has been decorated for her unusual bravery under fire.

I first heard of Sergeant Reckless while I was looking for inspirational, real-horse stories. Two authors had recently published books on the four-footed Korean War hero, so searches with those keywords regularly brought up those books.
After reading some reviews, I decided to buy one.

I'm not skilled in book reviews, so I'll try keep this short. The story focuses as much as it can on the Korean race horse, Ah-Chim-Hai, or Flame-of-the-Morning, during the years preceeding and through the Korean conflict. A Lieutenant of a 75mm recoilless rifle platoon bought her to carry ammunition up Korea's steep, hilly terrain. Renamed Reckless after the 'reckless rifles' fielded by her new 'herd' of Marines, she served with distinction in a major battle of the Korean conflict. The book does not go into graphic, gory, war descriptions, but tells enough to keep the reader aware of the dire circumstances faced by the Marines, and the men of her platoon.
Reckless was a truly remarkable mare, who exhibited a surprising appetite, both in its voraciousness, and in its variety. She ate with her men, often exactly what they were eating. She also had a number of unusual experiences during the war with her men, who took her everywhere, even on an amphibious exercise!
With the end of the conflict, it looked like Reckless would be left behind. But there was a successful effort to bring her home by the men who served with her.
This book has photos, amusing antidotes, and its focus on Reckless' handlers helps you fall in love with her just like the men who served with her did.
If you are a fan of real horse stories, or a avid reader of the Korean conflict, this might be worth your time.