In
January, I shared the story of Cher Ami, one of many pigeon heroes of World War
II. During that time, many other animals served and saved lives. Sergeant
Reckless was one of these.
Sergeant
Reckless was posthumously awarded the Dickin Medal for valor on July 28, 2016.
She was quite a soldier in her own right.
A Mongolian
Chestnut mare, she served in the Korean War from 1950-1953. Her job was to
carry ammunition for an anti-tank division.
She
distinguished herself during The Battle of Outpost Vegas. Throughout the day,
she made 51 trips between the supply point and the firing lines, keeping the
soldiers supplied with ammunition.
Not only did
she keep the soldiers supplied, she also carried the wounded down the mountain
before returning to the battle lines.
Even though
she sustained wounds twice, she continued to carry out her job without
faltering.
Her bravery
earned the respect of all the soldiers. She even was awarded two Purple Hearts
and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal among other awards.
After coming
to the United States, she lived at Camp Pendleton and even became the mother of
four foals. On November 10th, 1960, she retired with full military honors
including her own documents!
Today, there
is a lock of her tail hair in the base of a monument of Sergeant Reckless that
was unveiled in 2013 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
Who is your favorite animal hero? Maybe you have one in your life?
Research and Photo Credit:
National Archives
About Candace West:
A homeschooling mama by day and a historical romance
writer whenever she can steal the time, Candace West writes hope-filled,
redemptive stories that snag her characters from disaster to victory. In 2018,
she published her debut novel Lane Steen. Since then, she has
authored the Valley Creek Redemption and Windy Hollow series. She also belongs
to The Mosaic Collection of authors. When she isn't crafting her next
story, she divides her time between family and three bossy cats.
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Not all wars are fought on a battlefield. Some are
fought in the heart.
Aynsley O’Brien faces a choice—follow her deceased
uncle’s demands or fall prey to a ruthless band of brothers whose sights are
set on Windy Hollow Farm. Without protection, she will lose it all.
Union Cavalry officer, Nolan Scottsdale arrives in the
Ozarks to find his family ravaged by the war. Unwelcome at home, he turns to
Windy Hollow needing work but finds Aynsley cornered. If he offers his hand in
marriage, she may break his heart again.
The entire valley will be embroiled in yet another conflict
if Nolan and Aynsley lose the farm. And it won’t be the North and the South –
It will be neighbor against neighbor.
While dangers erupt on every front, another war rages
in their hearts. If they win the peace, how will they mend the breach between
their families? Between themselves?
The truth lies in three letters. If only Aynsley could
read them.
Thank you for posting today. Offhand, I can't think of a particular animal that is my hero but I love reading of all the animals who have been part of field battles during wartime, of rescue missions in times of war or weather issues, and the K9 cops who assist our 2 footed heroes.
ReplyDeleteThe history of animals serving in battle or as first responders is fascinating to me as well. They understand more, I believe, than we give them credit. Thank you for stopping by, Connie!
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