Learn story of hero war horse Reckless

CROMWELL >> Ever hear about a horse that won not one, but two Purple Hearts?

People interested in finding out that story can come to the Cromwell Belden Public Library this evening to learn about Reckless, “a real-life war horse.”

The library is presenting a program about the military equine by author Janet Barrett, the horse’s biographer. The program, “They Called Her Reckless: A True Story of War, Love and One Extraordinary Horse,” begins at 7 p.m. and is open free to the public, said adult services librarian Terry Crescimanno.

“They Called Her Reckless” tells the story of “an incredible human-horse connection and the power it unleashed,” Crescimanno said in announcing the program.

Reckless started life as a Mongolian pony. She was “drafted” into the Marine Corps during the Korean War (1950-53) after “disrupting a softball game and capturing the attention of everyone around,” Crescimanno said.

She acquired her name not because of her ability to disrupt softball games but because she was put to work hauling ammunition for recoilless rifles, a hand-held, two-man mini-artillery weapon.

Pvt. 1st Class Reckless became “an integral member” of the Fifth Marine Regiment’s recoilless rifle platoon, Crescimanno said.

“In skirmishers and firefights, and ultimately in the savage Battle of Outpost Vegas, Reckless showed her bravery and resilience,” Crescimanno said. “In that last bloody fight, surpassing all expectations, (Reckless) hauled ammunition for three days and nights wherever it was needed. For wounds sustained, she was awarded two Purple Hearts.”

The Battle of Outpost Vegas was part of the larger — and ferocious — “Battle of the Nevada outposts,” which occurred in late March 1953. Under attack from hordes of Chinese Communist regulars, the Marines stubbornly fought back, losing 165 Marines. In all, 1,211 were wounded and 104 reported missing in action.

ChiCom casualties were put at 3,000 killed, according to a history of the battle on the Marine Corps Association website.

The MCA report on the battle also mentions the contributions of Reckless. Over three days, she carried in excess of 400 rounds of 75 mm ammunition for the recoilless rifles. In doing so, she traversed an estimated 35 miles to and from the hellish battlefield, according to the MCA report.

In preparing her book, Barrett enriched her story by drawing on the memories of 60 Marines who knew Reckless in Korea and later, Crescimanno said.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing, Crescimanno said.

Because of space limitations those interested in attending the program are asked to call and register in advance at 860-632-3460.

The library is at 39 West St., adjacent to Town Hall.