Author Robin Hutton has reignited excitement with her new book Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse. The book is about the nearly forgotten, thirteen hands high Mongolian mare. “Reckless” was bred to be a racehorse, but was purchased by Marine Lieutenant Eric Pedersen who renamed her for the Recoilless Rifles Platoon, Anti-Tank Division, of the 5th Marines. The four-legged equine braved minefields and shrapnel to deliver ammunition to the frontlines in the Korean War. In one day alone, she performed fifty-one trips (on her own) through treacherous terrain covering a distance of over thirty-five miles and rescued wounded comrades along the way. Reckless demonstrated her devotion to the Marines who had become her herd. An American hero. Reckless, was awarded two Purple Hearts for her valor and was officially promoted to staff sergeant twice, a distinction never bestowed upon an animal before or since. Reckless lived out the rest of her days at Camp Pendleton, California. In 2013 the Reckless memorial Monument at the National Museum of the Marine Corps was completed.
I understand it took you 8 years to write “Sgt. Reckless”?
Yes – I read a brief summary about “Reckless” in the book, “Chicken Soup For The Soul” and wanted to know more about her. She served our country, saved American lives so I wondered why more people didn’t know more about her? 8 years ago, when I googled “Reckless”, I found only 4 items about her. I made it my mission to set up a website and research the Marines that served with her. The book was a true labor of love I’m very proud of it.
How did you find the Marines that served with her?
I started by posting information about my book to Marine websites and ran ads on Semper Fi trying to get stories. Many of the men that served with her have passed away, but their families recalled stories and shared photographs no one has ever seen. I had to edit many of these amazing photographs from the book, so I’m working on a coffee table book with more photos. I’m still uncovering photographs now!
The book tells amazing stories about the relationship between “Reckless” and these men, including her trainer Sgt. Joseph Latham.
The men protected and took care of her. She wasn’t a horse, she was a Marine. Sgt. Joseph Latham died in the 1980’s, but his daughter gave me everything she had about her Dad and “Reckless”. Latham would give the horse hand signals and she would follow his command. She was trained to step over communications lines, get down at the sound of incoming fire and ignore the noise of battle. She carried wounded soldiers to safety and was injured twice during the war, earning two Purple Hearts.
You are so passionate about “Reckless” – is a movie about her on the horizon? I have written a movie script on this incredible story and am looking for a home for it. Fans can read more about her on my website www.sgtreckless.com and become an official fan on Facebook and Youtube.
