(horse)

When a group of US Marines fighting in the Korean War found a bedraggled little 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 and receive two Purple Hearts.

"Born to be a racehorse in Seoul, Korea, Reckless was always destined for greatness. Then the Korean War began in 1950, and those dreams were dashed. But when Reckless was bought by a group of US Marines to work on the frontlines, it quickly became clear that this little mare had the heart of a hero. This action-packed series explores the stories of real-life animal heroes who saved the day! With black-and-white art throughout and dramatic storytelling, readers are taken on an exciting journey they won't soon forget. Fans of Ranger in Time will devour these true tales of incredible animal heroes!"--Provided by publisher.

When a group of US Marines fighting in the Korean War found a bedraggled little mare, they wondered if she could be trained as a packhorse. They had no idea that the skinny, underfed horse had one of the biggest and bravest hearts they'd ever known.

American Pharoah made history on June 6, 2015. After 37 years, he was America's next Triple Crown winner. The colt, bred in Kentucky, affirmed the prophecy of Frances Relihan, an Irish horsewoman who cared for him. She was the first to recognize the spirit of a champion in him. American Pharoah brought redemption to his flamboyant owner, Ahmed Zayat, whose stable was bankrupt and whose honor was questioned. Trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Victor Espinoza, American Pharoah fulfilled the dreams of everyone.

The horse's Korean name was Ah-Chim-Hai (Flame of the Morning). She was an old chestnut-colored Mongolian racehorse. Once she amazed the racing crowd with her remarkable speed. But when the 1950's Korean War shut down the racetrack, she was sold to an American Marine and trained to carry heavy loads of ammunition across steep hills under a barrage of bullets and bombs. Her new name was Reckless. And she proved to be fearless under fire, exposed to every type of hazard. Sometimes she shielded human reinforcements and soon the Chinese were targeting the horse. But Reckless never shied away from danger and soon the men came to appreciate her not just as a horse but as a fellow Marine. She lived through the war and ended her days as a retired Marine at Camp Pendleton, giving birth to four foals while she was there.

Relates the story of Sergeant Reckless, a horse that held official rank in the United States military and served during the Korean War.

"Simple text and full-color illustrations describe the true story of Staff Sergeant Reckless, the Korean War horse"--Provided by publisher.