-Patricia McCormick
The inspiring true story of Reckless, the brave little horse who became a Marine.
When a group of US Marines fighting in the Korean War found a bedraggled mare, they wondered if she could be trained as a packhorse. They had no idea that the skinny, underfed horse had one of the biggest and bravest hearts they’d ever known. And one of the biggest appetites!
Soon Reckless showed herself more than willing to carry ammunition too heavy for the soldiers to haul. As cannons thundered and shells flew through the air, she marched into battle—again and again—becoming the only animal ever to officially hold military rank—becoming Sgt. Reckless—and receive two Purple Hearts.
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I love any horse story and I have long loved the story about Reckless, a former Mongolian bred racehorse conscripted into the Marines in South Korea. This is a wonderful story about the trust, love, and respect that can develop between people and animals. The conflict of the Korean War isn’t discussed in detail as this is a story about how this particular horse came to assist the war effort. Discover how this very special horse was able to gain military rank, and earn two purple hearts as well!
This book is presented in a format both children and adults will enjoy. I especially liked the included photos of Sergeant Reckless.
Heidi Y.