Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero

A horse with bandaged ears with military stripes and red and yellow sergeant lapel pin.
Patricia McCormick

When a group of US Marines fighting in the Korean War found a bedraggled mare, they wondered if she could be trained to as a packhorse. They had no idea that the skinny, underfed horse had one of the biggest and bravest hearts they’d ever known. And one of the biggest appetites! Soon Reckless showed herself more than willing to carry ammunition too heavy for the soldiers to haul. As cannons thundered and shells flew through the air, she marched into battle—again and again—becoming the only animal ever to officially hold military rank—becoming Sgt. Reckless—and receive two Purple Hearts.

Award Years
2019-2020
Award Category
SC Children's Book Award