Who Was Reckless?

In October 1952, a Marine lieutenant paid $250 for a small mare at a racetrack in Seoul, Korea. She joined the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, 5th Marines, as a pack horse. The Marines named her Reckless.

She learned fast. Gunnery Sgt. Joe Latham taught her to crawl under barbed wire, lie down under fire and run for the bunker when the shells came in. After only a couple of trips along a supply route she could make the run alone, carrying ammunition up to the guns and bringing wounded Marines back down.

​

Her finest hour came at the Battle for Outpost Vegas in late March 1953. In a single day she made 51 solo trips to the front lines, carrying 386 recoilless rifle rounds, more than 9,000 pounds of ammunition, and covering over 35 miles through rice paddies and up steep hills under heavy fire. She was wounded twice and kept going.

​

The Marines never forgot her. Reckless was promoted to corporal after Vegas, to sergeant in 1954 and, on August 31, 1959, to Staff Sergeant at Camp Pendleton by Commandant Gen. Randolph M. Pate. Her decorations include two Purple Hearts and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. She was the first horse in the Marine Corps known to take part in an amphibious landing, and LIFE magazine named her one of America's 100 all-time heroes. She retired in 1960 and died in 1968, a Marine to the end.

​

Why We Carry Her Name

​

Staff Sergeant Reckless Company creates military-inspired apparel and gear that honors the grit, tradition, and service of those who've worn the uniform. We're named for the legendary Korean War Marine warhorse, Staff Sergeant Reckless, who carried ammunition through heavy fire, earned the respect of her fellow Marines, and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. We draw on that same spirit of determination and loyalty.

​

We design practical, durable clothing and accessories rooted in military history, unit pride, and everyday wear for those who value the lifestyle. From tribute tees and camo pieces to gear with a bit of that old-school edge, everything is built for people who appreciate the heritage without the pretense.

​

We put real support behind the veteran community. A meaningful portion of what we earn goes to veteran-related causes, helping where resources are stretched thin, both at home and abroad. It's one way we carry forward the idea that looking out for each other never really ends.

 

Welcome aboard. Explore the gear, wear it with purpose, and stand with us in supporting those who served.

​

Reckless Records

​

​

Those cadences didn't stay on the drill field. Under Reckless Records, we've reimagined classic military cadences as full songs. Hear "Hey Hey Whiskey Jack," "Little Yellow Bird," "Me and Superman" and more on Spotify, Apple Music and every major platform. Then wear the shirt that goes with the song.