Robin Hutton

Robin Hutton's book, "Sgt. Reckless" tells the amazing story of a Marine Corps horse during the Korean War. Reckless was purchased from a Korean race track by a Marine Platoon with the hopes that the horse would be able to carry ammunition to field guns. Marines had been fulfilling this mission, but the terrain and heavy loads made the task most difficult. The horse, it was hoped, would be able to carry more, and up steep slopes, much quicker and more efficiently than any marine. Reckless surpassed any dreams or expectations. The horse was trained to carry the heavy loads and traverse the challenging terrain, and could make trips to and from the field guns without fail. The story of the horse's activity during battles is absolutely amazing. With artillery shells falling around her, the horse bravely continued, and often would carry wounded soldiers down the hills after bringing much needed shells up the hill. And Reckless would make the trip, time and time again. The horse became an essential member of the Marine platoon, and was formally recognized with the official Marine Corps rank of sergeant. Following the war, Sgt. Reckless was brought back the the States and remained at the Marine Corps Camp Pendelton in Southern California until she died.

Hutton's story dragged toward the end of the book, however. Most of the final chapters was about life of Sgt. Reckless after being put to pasture at Camp Pendelton and a variety of marines assigned as her handler. The book ends with a description of the author's efforts to ensure the brave horse is commemorated with plaques, statues, a book, and a movie.
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