Monday, March 31, 2025

Sergeant Reckless: Animal Hero of World War II by Candace West



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.

Sergeant Reckless in Battle

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.

Sergeant Reckless Receiving Her Rank

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.

Find out more

 

2 comments:

  1. 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.

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    1. The 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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