On Memorial Day all humans supposedly remember those who have fallen in past and current wars. However, humans are not the only ones to have fought and died in human conflicts. Although dogs, cats and pigeons and all been recognized for their valiant efforts and sacrifices, many of them having received the Dickin Medal, being a horse I want to pay tribute to some equidae who also served.
SGT RECKLESS:
Sgt. Reckless was a little mare with a big heart and immense courage. Bought for $250 from a young Korean boy, she endeared herself to the Marines by her crazy antics and indomitable personality.
What set this little chestnut mare apart came during the Battle of Outpost Vegas in March of 1953 when, in one day, she carried 386 rounds of ammunition (over 9,000 pounds) up and down a steep 45-degree mountain side trail that led from the Ammunition Supply Point up to the firing sites, most of the time by herself, under heavy enemy fire. Although wounded twice, she did not allow that to stop or slow her down. This incredible act of courage earned her the respect of the Marines who served with her and the promotion to Sergeant.
Sgt Reckless’s 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. These medals were proudly worn by her on her red and gold blanket. On July 27th, 2016 she was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal, also known as the Victoria Cross for Animals.
WARRIOR:
Warrior was a thoroughbred born on the Isle of Wright in 1908 going to war on the Western front during WWI with General Jack Seely of the Canadian Cavalry, braving bullets and shell fire, narrowly escaping death many times over, actively participating in the battle at the Somme and Ypres, dubbed “The War Horse the Germans couldn’t kill”. He was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal in September of 2014. Steven Spielberg’s movie “War Horse” is based on his life.
SEFTON:
Sefton was a British Army horse, critically injured in the Hyde Park and Regent’s Park London bombings where seven other horses and four soldiers died. Critically injured, he recovered sufficiently to return to active duty, was awarded “Horse of the Year” and was placed in the British Horse Society’s Equestrian Hall f Fame.
I could go on and on but choose to stop here. Don’t want to bore anyone with too much prattle. My true purpose here is to raise everyone’s awareness that for every fallen human soldier, there have been many many more horses (8 million in WWI) who have sacrificed their lives in human conflicts.
