Marine museum to honor war horse Staff Sgt. Reckless with monument

QUANTICO, Va. – A heroic Korean War horse is getting a monument at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in time to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the war's end.

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation says a statue of Staff Sgt. Reckless will be installed in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park adjacent to the museum. A dedication ceremony will be held Friday, July 26.

A website dedicated to the horse (http://www.sgtreckless.com) tells her story. Reckless was purchased by a Marine from a local boy during the war. The horse was used to carry ammunition to the front lines. During the violent, five-day Battle of Outpost Vegas, Reckless made 51 trips up and down a steep mountain to reach Marines with supplies.

Her Military Decorations include two Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with star, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, all of which she wore proudly on her red and gold blanket, along with a French Fourragere that the 5th Marines earned in WWI.

The museum also has added an exhibit to the Korean War gallery highlighting Reckless, including artifacts and photos.

Learn more about the National Museum of the Marine Corps at www.usmcmuseum.com.