ePub The n-Word Explained!: For the Socially Progressive by Mr. Charles E. Dickerson in History

Description

When the Marines of the Fifth Regiment's Recoilless Rifle Platoon acquired a small Korean pony to haul ammunition up the steep hills to the front lines; what they got was a real-life hero; Reckless; the courageous and indomitable warhorse who stood with her buddies for two years during the Korean War; saving many lives; raising spirits; and winning the love and respect of all who knew her. She came on base in October; 1952; disrupting a softball game and capturing the attention of everyone around. Immediately named for the reckless rifles she would supply; she began life with the Marines as private first class Reckless. In short order; she was an integral member of the platoon; learning quickly to run into her bunker when incoming fire hit the camp; navigate the trails and hills on her own; and calmly accept the roar of the recoilless rifles at close range. In skirmishes and firefights; and ultimately in the savage Battle for Outpost Vegas; Reckless showed her bravery and resilience. In that last bloody fight; surpassing all expectations; she hauled ammunition for three days and nights wherever it was needed. For wounds sustained; she was awarded two Purple Hearts. Ever the character; she also shared her buddies' C-rations and mess hall chow; beers and an occasional whiskey; and on cold nights; their warm tents. She was promoted to sergeant by the commander of the First Marine Division. Then; in late 1954; the men got their wish; and Sergeant Reckless sailed for San Francisco; a hero's welcome; and another new life.Enhancing Reckless' story is an extensive selection of photographs of her time in Korea and; later; during her years at Camp Pendleton in California. Many of them come from the private collections of the Marines who knew her; and have never before been published. The contributions of some 60 Marines in all; who came forward to share their memories of Reckless; made it possible to tell her story.