Wikipedia - Benutzerbeiträge [de]

3-7-77

2015-07-31T18:46:34Z

Intothatdarkness: Reverted to revision 644253783 by 161.7.59.15 (talk): Promotional link removed. (TW)

[[Image:Montana Highway Patrol.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Montana Highway Patrol patch]]
'''3-7-77''' was the symbol used by the [[Montana Vigilantes]] ([[Vigilance Committee]]) in [[Virginia City, Montana]]. People who found the numbers '3-7-77' painted on their [[tent]] or [[log cabin|cabin]] knew that they had better leave the area or expect to be on the receiving end of [[vigilante]] justice. The numbers are used on the shoulder patch of the [[Montana Highway Patrol]], who claim they do not know the original meaning of the symbol. It also appears on the flight suits of pilots of the Montana Air National Guard, and the Flight Patch of the Montana Army National Guard Medevac unit (C Co 1-189th GSAB - Vigilantes). Further, it appears under the bottle cap of certain varieties of Big Sky Brewing Company beer.<ref>Long, Nick. Personal interview. 13 Aug 2009. Interview.</ref>

Various theories have been put forth about its meaning, including:

* A person was put on notice that he had 3 hours 7 minutes and 77 seconds to leave town.

* The numbers represent the dimensions of a grave, 3 feet by 7 feet by 77 inches.<ref>[[Norman Maclean|Maclean, Norman]] (1992). - ''[[A River Runs Through It (novel)|A River Runs Through It and Other Stories]]''. - New York, New York: Pocket Books (Simon & Schuster). - pp. 33. - ISBN 0-671-77697-5.</ref>

* The sum of the number 3+7+7+7 total 24, representing the criminal had 24 hours to leave town.

* The number was borrowed from [[California]] or [[Colorado]] vigilance organizations, where member number #3 and #77 were authorized to carry out executions.

* [[Frederick Allen]], in his book ''A Decent Orderly [[Lynching]]'', says the number meant the person had to buy a $3 ticket on the next 7:00 a.m. [[stagecoach]] to take the 77-mile trip from [[Helena Montana|Helena]] to [[Butte Montana|Butte]].<ref>Allen, Frederick. ''A Decent Orderly Lynching.'' Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press, 2004.</ref>

* The number set may have something to do with the date March 7th, 1877; the numbers were first used in that decade and first appeared in print later in that decade of the 19th century

== See also ==

COMMENT - There is no historical evidence that the code, "3-7-77", was issued as a warning to anyone, especially for the purpose of vacating Montana Territory. The Montana Vigilantes held trials in absentia for accused outlaws and, if any were pronounced guilty, set about to punish them. They had only one form of punishment and that was hanging. The best interpretation of the origin of the vigilante recognition code is from ALVIN T. WESTDAL, P.M., Chairman Emeritus, Committee on Masonic Education and Research, as follows:

"Of 3-7-77 or 3-11-77, that "3" referred to the ancient - not less than three shall congregate to form a Lodge. "7" the number to make the Lodge perfect; or if "11" because eleven of the first twelve Vigilantes in Montana were Masons. "77" that seventy-six Masons showed up when N.P. Langford issued the summons to attend the first Masonic funeral for William Bell, with the deceased there was a total of seventy-seven Masons in Montana Territory at the first "census" of the fraternity."

==References==
{{reflist|1}}

==External links==
* [http://travel.mt.gov/history/Montana_the_Magazine_of_Western_History/montanavigilantes1.htm Montana Vigilantes and the Origins of the 3-7-77]

{{Montana}}

[[Category:Pre-statehood history of Montana]]
[[Category:American vigilantes]]
[[Category:American Old West]]

{{US-hist-stub}}

Sergeant Reckless

2015-06-30T19:37:00Z

Intothatdarkness: Reverted to revision 664245296 by Mztourist (talk): Uncited date addition. (TW)

{{good article}}
{{Infobox named horse
| horsename = Sergeant Reckless
| image = Sgt reckless in pasture.jpg
| caption = Sergeant Reckless in retirement.
| breed = [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] or [[Thoroughbred]] mixed breed
| sire =
| grandsire =
| dam =
| damsire =
| sex = [[Mare]]
| foaled = {{circa|1948}}
| death_date = May 13, 1968
| country = Korea
| color = [[Chestnut (color)|Chestnut]]
| breeder =
| owner = [[United States Marine Corps]]
| record =
| earnings =
| race =
| awards=
| honors =
| updated = August 27, 2013
}}

'''Sergeant Reckless''', a [[horse]] who held official rank in the United States military,{{sfn|Blackman, Jr.|2012|p=4}} was a [[mare]] of [[Mongolian horse]] breeding. Out of a [[race horse]] dam, she was purchased in October 1952 for $250 from a Korean stableboy at the [[Seoul]] racetrack who needed money to buy an artificial leg for his sister. Reckless was bought by members of the [[United States Marine Corps]] and trained to be a [[pack horse]] for the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]], [[1st Marine Division]].{{sfn|Blackman, Jr.|2012|p=4}} She quickly became part of the unit and was allowed to roam freely through camp, entering the marines' tents, where she would sleep on cold nights, and was known for her willingness to eat nearly anything, including scrambled eggs, beer, coca-cola and, once, about $30 worth of poker chips.

She served in numerous combat actions during the [[Korean War]], carrying supplies and ammunition, and was also used to evacuate wounded. Learning each supply route after only a couple of trips, she often traveled to deliver supplies to the troops on her own, without benefit of a handler. The highlight of her nine-month military career came in late March 1953 during the [[Battle for Outpost Vegas]] when, in a single day, she made 51 solo trips to resupply multiple front line units. She was wounded in combat twice, given the battlefield rank of corporal in 1953, and then a [[battlefield promotion]] to sergeant in 1954, several months after the war ended. She also became the first horse in the Marine Corps known to have participated in an [[amphibious landing]], and following the war was awarded two [[Purple Heart]]s, a [[Good Conduct Medal (United States)#Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal|Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal]] and several other military honors.

Her wartime service record was featured in ''[[The Saturday Evening Post]]'', and [[Life (magazine)|''LIFE'' magazine]] recognized her as one of America's 100 all-time heroes. She was retired and brought to the United States after the war, where she made appearances on television and participated in the [[United States Marine Corps birthday ball]]. She was officially promoted to [[Staff Sergeant#United States|staff sergeant]] in 1959 by the [[Commandant of the Marine Corps]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She gave birth to four [[foal]]s in America and died in May 1968. A plaque and photo were dedicated in her honor at the [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]] stables and a statue of her was dedicated on July 26, 2013 at the [[National Museum of the Marine Corps]] in [[Quantico, Virginia]].

==Origins==
Sergeant Reckless was [[chestnut (coat)|chestnut]] colored with a [[horse markings|blaze and three white stockings]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Her date of birth and parentage are unconfirmed, but she was estimated to be around three or four years old when she was purchased by members of the United States Marine Corps in October 1952. She was sold to the Marines by her owner, a young Korean stableboy called Kim Huk Moon,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=23–108}} though that was not his real name.{{sfn|Geer|1955|loc=Author's Note}} The horse was originally named ''{{lang|ko|Ah Chim Hai}}'' in [[Korean language|Korean]],{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=48}} which translates to "Morning Flame" or "Flame-in-the-Morning",{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} also reputed to be the name of her [[Glossary of equestrian terms#D|dam]], a [[racehorse]] at the track in Seoul. Moon sold the horse, whom he had nicknamed "Flame," to Lieutenant Eric Pedersen for $250 in order to buy a leg [[prosthesis]] for his sister, who had stepped on a [[land mine]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109–113}} The horse's breeding was thought to be primarily [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] though she did have some features, particularly the shape of her head, that were similar to horses of [[Thoroughbred]] lineage. She was small, standing only {{hands|14}} and weighing {{convert|900|lb|kg}}.{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=7}}

==Military service==
[[File:Reckless with Sgt. Latham.jpg|thumb|Reckless with her primary trainer, Platoon Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Latham]]
In October 1952, Pedersen{{efn|Sometimes misspelled as "Pederson"{{sfn|Geer|1955|loc=Foreword}}}} received permission from [[Colonel]] Eustace P. Smoak to purchase a horse for his platoon.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Based in mountainous terrain, Pederson needed a pack animal capable of carrying up to nine of the heavy 24-pound shells needed to supply the [[recoilless rifle]]s used by his unit, the Recoilless Rifle Platoon of the 5th Marine Regiment.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} The day after he received permission, on October 26, 1952,{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} Pedersen, Sergeant Willard Berry, and Corporal Philip Carter drove a jeep with a trailer to the Seoul racetrack.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=130–132}} Pedersen paid for the horse with his own money.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=124–125}} Moon was reluctant to sell the horse, though he needed to,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109–113}} and cried when "Flame" departed.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=117}} At first the Marines renamed her "Recoilless", after the primary weapon of the platoon.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}} That changed to "Reckless" after the platoon's nickname, "Reckless Rifles."{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

Her primary trainer and the person Reckless was closest to was platoon [[Gunnery Sergeant]] Joseph Latham.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=120}} Private First Class Monroe Coleman was her primary caretaker.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} In addition to Pedersen, Latham, and Coleman, Lieutenant Bill Riley and Sergeant Elmer Lively were also involved with the training and care of Reckless.{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|loc=Author's Note}} Pedersen had his wife ship a [[pack saddle]] from their home in California so Reckless could better fulfill her primary role as a pack animal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=142–143}} The recoilless rifle platoon had its own medical corpsman, Navy Hospitalman First Class George "Doc" Mitchell, who provided the majority of medical care for Reckless.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=120, 161}}

The Marines, especially Latham, taught Reckless battlefield survival skills such as how not to become entangled in [[barbed wire]] and to lie down when under fire.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} She learned to run for a [[bunker]] upon hearing the cry, "incoming!"{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} The platoon called it her "hoof training" and "hoof camp". The horse was initially kept in a pasture near the encampment.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Reckless had a gentle disposition and soon developed such a rapport with the troops that she was allowed to freely roam about the camp and entered tents at will,{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} sometimes sleeping inside with the troops, and even lying down next to Latham's warm tent stove on cold nights.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She was fond of a wide variety of foodstuffs, entertaining the platoon by eating scrambled eggs and drinking [[Coca-Cola]] and beer.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} Food could not be left unattended around her.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She was known to eat bacon, buttered toast, chocolate bars, hard candy, shredded wheat, peanut butter sandwiches and mashed potatoes. However, Mitchell advised the platoon that she not be given more than two bottles of Coke a day.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Her tastes were not confined to foodstuffs; she once ate her [[horse blanket]],{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} and on another occasion ate $30 worth of Latham's winning poker chips.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

[[File:Reckless_under_fire.jpg|thumb|left|Reckless under fire in Korea]]
Reckless's baptism under fire came at a place called Hedy's Crotch, near the villages of Changdan and Kwakchan.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=143–144}} Though loaded down with six recoilless rifle shells, she initially "went straight up" and all four feet left the ground the first time the recoilless rifle was fired. When she landed she started shaking, but Coleman, her handler, calmed her down. The second time the gun fired she merely snorted, and by the end of the mission that day appeared calm and was seen trying to eat a discarded helmet liner.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She even appeared to take an interest in the operation of the weapon.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=143–144}} When learning a new delivery route, Reckless would only need someone to lead her a few times. Afterwards she would make the trips on her own.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=181–183}}

Her most significant accomplishment came during the [[Battle for Outpost Vegas|Battle of Panmunjom-Vegas]] (also known as the Battle of Outpost Vegas/Vegas Hill) over the period March 26–28, 1953, when she made 51 solo trips in a single day, carrying a total of 386 recoilless rounds (over 9,000 pounds, carrying 4 to 8 24-pound shells on each trip) covering over 35 miles that day. The whole Battle of Vegas lasted 3 days.{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172–189}}{{efn|Sometimes erroneously reported as 5 days.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172–189}}}} She was wounded twice during the battle: once when she was hit by shrapnel over the left eye and another time on her left flank.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} There was a standing order not to ride Reckless, but during the Battle of Vegas Hill someone violated that order and took Reckless on a "joy ride" that included a sprint through a [[minefield]]. She was not injured during the unauthorized ride.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=158}} For her accomplishments during the Battle of Vegas Hill, Reckless was promoted to corporal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=210}}

[[File:Sgt Reckless with recoilless-rifle.jpg|thumb|Reckless beside a 75mm recoilless rifle]]
When not on the front lines, Reckless packed other items for the platoon, and was particularly useful for stringing telephone wire. Carrying reels of wire on her pack that were played out as she walked, she could string as much wire as twelve men on foot.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She became the first horse in the Marine Corps known to have participated in an amphibious landing when the 5th moved from [[Camp Casey, South Korea|Camp Casey]] to [[Inchon]], planning to participate in amphibious landings hundreds of miles south of Inchon.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} The commanding officer of the transport halted loading operations when he saw the platoon on the dock with Reckless. He refused to take her on board his clean ship,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189–191}} which had won an award for being the cleanest ship in the previous two years.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=191}} However, once the Marines produced the loading plan the ship's commanding officer had approved which specifically listed Reckless and her equipment, she was allowed on board.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189–191}} Once the ship was underway, she became sick, making a mess on the ship's decks during the first part of the voyage. She could not be disembarked due to a storm, but soon became accustomed to the motion of the ship at sea and had no more problems.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} The 1st Marine Division was moved to a rest area soon after the move, and while there some platoon members posed with Reckless and a sign challenging the Thoroughbred [[Native Dancer]] to a race. They called their race the "Paddy Derby" and the field "Upsan Downs." The conditions were: 1.5 miles over paddies and hills, carrying 192 pounds of ammunition, and no riders. The Marines never received a reply. Native Dancer came in second in the [[Kentucky Derby]], but went on to win the [[Preakness Stakes]] and [[Belmont Stakes]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=191–193}}{{sfn|Baltimore Sun|2013}}

[[Randolph M. Pate]], then the commander of the 1st Marine Division, gave Reckless a battlefield promotion from corporal to sergeant in a formal ceremony, complete with reviewing stand, on April 10, 1954, several months after the war ended.{{sfn|Geer|1955|loc=Introduction, pp. 208–210}} She was also given a red and gold blanket with insignia.{{sfn|Geer|1955|loc=Introduction, pp. 200–202}} Reckless was promoted again, to staff sergeant, on August 31, 1959, at Camp Pendleton, CA. This promotion was also awarded by Pate, who had by then advanced to Commandant of the Marine Corps. Pate personally presided over this promotion ceremony and she was honored with a 19-gun salute with a 1,700-man parade of Marines from her wartime unit.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} She was an early example of an animal holding official rank in a branch of the United States military.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}}

==Retirement==
[[File:Reckless Rotation Ceremony.png|thumb||left|Sergeant Reckless at her stateside rotation ceremony, 1954. PFC William Moore is holding her. He accompanied her on the trip to America.]]

For her exemplary service to the Marine Corps, Reckless was awarded two Purple Hearts (for the wounds received during the Battle of Vegas), a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, a [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] with bronze star, the [[National Defense Service Medal]], a [[Korean Service Medal]], the [[United Nations Korea Medal]], a [[Navy Unit Commendation]], and a [[Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She would wear these awards on her horse blanket, plus a [[Fourragere|French Fourragere]] that the 5th Marines earned in [[World War I]].{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}

An article in ''The Saturday Evening Post'', published on April 17, 1954, while Reckless was still in Korea,{{sfn|Geer|1955|loc=Author's Note}} resulted in a campaign by American supporters to get the Marines to bring her to the United States. An executive at Pacific Transport Lines, Stan Coppel, read the article and offered to let Reckless ride free on one of his company's ships from [[Yokohama]] to [[San Francisco]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Prior to her departure for America, a ceremony, including a band, for Reckless' rotation to the United States was held during half time of a football game between the Marine Corps and Army. Reckless left Korea for Japan aboard a [[1st Marine Aircraft Wing]] transport plane.{{sfn|Geer|1955|loc=Introduction, pp. 208–210}} She then sailed from Yokohama on October 22 aboard the ''SS Pacific Transport'', due in San Francisco on November 5, 1954.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} A typhoon delayed the ship's arrival until the evening of November 9. Reckless and her caretakers stayed aboard until the next morning. Reckless got sick during the storm and was once knocked out of her stall onto the deck by the storm, which happened near the end of the trip.
{{quote box
| quote = "I was surprised at her beauty and intelligence, and believe it or not, her esprit de corps. Like any other Marine, she was enjoying a bottle of beer with her comrades. She was constantly the center of attraction and was fully aware of her importance. If she failed to receive the attention she felt her due, she would deliberately walk into a group of Marines and, in effect, enter the conversation. It was obvious the Marines loved her."
| source = ''—Lieutenant General Randolph McC. Pate''{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}
| font = 120%
| width = 26em
| align = right
}}
Reckless's entry into the United States was not without its challenges. The [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|Customs Bureau]] was not much of a problem but the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] insisted a medical check and lab tests be completed before she disembarked from the ship once it reached San Francisco, which would make her late for the Marine banquet where she was to be the guest of honor. The Marines contacted Agriculture Department officials in Washington, D.C. who agreed to allow her off the ship after her blood was drawn for lab tests, with the understanding that if she had [[glanders]] or [[covering sickness|dourine]], she would be destroyed or sent back to Japan. Many of the Marines who actually knew her were incensed at what they considered an affront to her honor when they learned that dourine was an equine sexually transmitted disease.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211–217}} The night before she arrived, she once again ate her blanket, but a new one with ribbons and insignia was made just in time for her disembarkment. She was led off the ship by Lieutenant Pedersen and set foot on American soil in San Francisco on November 10, 1954,{{sfn|Geer|1955|loc=Author's Note, p. 124}} coincidentally the birthday of the  Marine Corps. For the [[Marine Corps birthday ball|Marine Corps Birthday Ball]] held that day, she rode an elevator, and then ate both cake and the flower decorations.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}

Reckless was kept by Pedersen's family for a brief time before moving to a more permanent home with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. A second article about Reckless appeared in ''The Saturday Evening Post'' on October 22, 1955. These two articles and the book ''Reckless: Pride of the Marines'' (1955) were written by the commander of the 2nd Battalion, [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|Lieutenant Colonel]] Andrew Geer, who kept notes about Reckless during the war.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She made several public appearances, including [[Art Linkletter]]'s show ''[[House Party (radio and TV show)|House Party]]'', but had to cancel an appearance on ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]'' due to the typhoon.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} Ed Sullivan had wanted her to appear on his November 7th show and was willing to pay the costs to get her there right after the scheduled, and delayed, November 5th arrival. Reckless never did appear on Sullivan's show.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211–217}}
[[File:Staff Sergeant Reckless.jpg|thumb|Sergeant Reckless at her promotion to Staff Sergeant, 1959]]

Reckless was well cared for and treated as a VIP during her time at Camp Pendleton. The Marine Corps was also careful not to allow her to be exploited by commercial interests.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=223–224}} She produced four [[foal]]s there: [[colt (horse)|colts]] Fearless (1957), Dauntless (1959), and Chesty (1964); her last foal, a filly born circa 1965–1966, died a month after birth and was unnamed.{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Her offspring Chesty was named after [[Chesty Puller]], one of the few Marines ever allowed to ride Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Puller was a Marine Corps [[Lieutenant general (United States)|lieutenant general]] and the most decorated United States Marine of all time.{{sfn|Marine Corps News|2013}} Reckless retired from active service with full military honors at Camp Pendleton on November 10, 1960.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She was provided free quarters and feed in lieu of retirement pay, per Marine Corps documents.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}
[[File:PFC Fearless, Camp Pendleton, circa 1959 (15022185003).jpg|thumb|left|200px| Reckless's son, Fearless, in 1959.]]
Reckless developed arthritis in her back as she aged and injured herself on May 13, 1968, by falling into a [[barbed wire]] fence. She died under sedation while her wounds were being treated.{{sfn|Tuscaloosa News|1968}} At the time of her death, she was estimated to be 19 or 20 years old.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} There is a plaque and photo commemorating her at the Camp Pendleton stables.{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} The first race at Aqueduct racetrack, New York, was designated "The Sgt Reckless" on November 10, 1989.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} In 1997, Reckless was listed by ''LIFE'' magazine as one of America's 100 all-time heroes.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

A statue by sculptor Jocelyn Russell of Reckless carrying ammunition shells and other combat equipment was unveiled on Friday, July 26, 2013, in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the [[National Museum of the Marine Corps]], one day before the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. There is a lock of her [[tail (horse)|tail hair]] in the base of the statue.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}}
{{-}}

==Awards and decorations==
<center>
{|
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=1|type=award-star|ribbon=Purple Heart BAR.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=US Navy Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.png|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Marine Corps Good Conduct ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|rowspan="4" align="left"|[[File:Fourragère CG.png|45px]]
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=3|type=service-star|ribbon=Korean_Service_Medal_-_Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Presidential Unit Citation (Korea).svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=United Nations Service Medal for Korea ribbon.png|width=106}}
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|[[Purple Heart]] w/ 1 [[award star]]
|[[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Navy Presidential Unit Citation]] w/ 1 [[service star]]
|[[Navy Unit Commendation]]
|[[Good Conduct Medal (United States)|Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal]]
|rowspan="4" align="center" |French [[Fourragère]]
|-
|[[National Defense Service Medal]]
|[[Korean Service Medal]] w/ 3 bronze [[service star]]s
|[[Presidential Unit Citation (Korea)|Korean Presidential Unit Citation]]
|[[United Nations Korea Medal]]
|-
|} </center>

==See also==
*[[Horses in warfare]]
*[[Judy (dog)]]

==Notes==
{{notes}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Bartel|2013}}|last=Bartel|first=Bill|title=Marines Honor Equine Comrade From Korean War|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2013/07/marines-honor-equine-comrade-korean-war|date=July 27, 2013|newspaper=The Virginian Pilot|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Blackman, Jr.|first=Robert R.|title=President's Notes|journal=Sentinel|publisher=Marine Corps Heritage Foundation|date=Fall–Winter 2012|url=http://www.marineheritage.org/2012_Sentinel_online.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Coakley|first=Lesli|title=The four-legged Marine in Korea |journal=Marines|date=September 1991|volume=20|issue=9|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105114984?urlappend=%3Bseq=25|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Geer|first=Andrew|title=Reckless, Pride of the Marines|publisher=E. P. Dutton|location=New York|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015003928499|year=1955|oclc=1658997}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Hoffman|first=Nancy Lee White|title=Sgt Reckless: Combat Veteran |journal=[[Leatherneck Magazine]]|date=November 1992|volume=75|issue=11|url=http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/sgt-reckless-combat-veteran|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Kilgannon|2012}}|last=Kilgannon|first=Corey|title=Remembering a Beloved Horse and Decorated Marine|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/remembering-a-beloved-horse-and-decorated-marine/?_r=0|date=November 9, 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Litalien|first=Dennis|title=Reckless Earns Place in Marine Corps History |journal=Marines|year=1984|volume=13|issue=6|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105112913?urlappend=%3Bseq=30|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Miller|2013}}|last=Miller|first=Joshua Rhett|title=Statue of Korean War Horse Reckless to be Unveiled at Marine museum in Virginia|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/24/statue-korean-war-horse-reckless-to-be-unveiled-at-marine-museum-in-virginia/|publisher=Fox News|date=July 25, 2013|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Equestrian News|2012}}|last=Staff|title=Hoofed Heroine Sgt. Reckless|url=http://theequestriannews.com/2012/11/12/hoofed-heroine-sgt-reckless/|date= November 12, 2012|publisher=The Equestrian News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Baltimore Sun|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Native Dancer (1950–1967)|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/preakness-insider-blog/bal-horse-list-0516-native-dancer-19671129,0,3500525.photo|year=2013|publisher=The Baltimore Sun|accessdate=29 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Tuscaloosa News|1968}}|last=Staff|title=Sgt Reckless Dies; Heroic Marine Mare|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19680521&id=WHAfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=M5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6304,4254522|date=May 21, 1968|publisher=The Tuscaloosa News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Marine Corps News|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Ultimate Marine (Puller vs Butler)|url=http://marines.dodlive.mil/2013/04/10/ultimate-marine-puller-vs-butler/|date= April 10, 2013|publisher=Marine Corps News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite AV media|ref={{sfnRef|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} | date = 8 August 2010| title = Sgt Reckless — Korean War Horse Hero | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 | accessdate = 28 July 2013| time = 0:39–1:29, 2:19–2:45| publisher = sgtreckless.com via Marine Corps archives}}
{{refend}}

==Further reading==

* {{cite book|last=Barrett|first= Janet|title= They Called Her Reckless: A True Story of War, Love and One Extraordinary Horse |publisher=Tall Cedar Books|date=2014|ISBN=9780989804004|OCLC=863230117}}
* {{cite book|last=Clavin|first= Thomas|title= Reckless: The Racehorse Who Became a Marine Corps Hero|publisher = New American Library|date=2014|ISBN=9780698137202|OCLC=883309525}}
* {{cite book|last=Giaffo|first=Lou|title=Gooch's Marines|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mXcTGInloHkC&pg=PA199&lpg=PA199&dq=reckless+huk+moon&source=bl&ots=tJWAXthLx1&sig=-LIFbb-AxuCfaYp0Cf3OJNSSWBA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Fi_0UeiTMeiUjALtjYHABA&ved=0CFoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=reckless%20huk%20moon&f=false|year=2013|publisher=Dorrance Publishing|location=Pittsburgh, PA|pages=199-200|isbn=978-1-4349-3399-7}}
* {{cite book|last=Hutton|first= Robin L.|title= Sgt. Reckless: America's War Horse|publisher = Regnery History |date=2014 |ISBN=9781621572633 |OCLC=870288383}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Sergeant Reckless}}
{{external media| align = right| width = | image1 = [http://www.wildlifebronzes.com/jocelyn/RECKLESS/go SSGT RECKLESS – Process and progress] slideshow by Jocelyn Russell.}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z67u5AG6BTM Sergeant Reckless and her foal Fearless at Camp Pendleton]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 Sergeant Reckless – Korean War Horse Hero video]
*[http://news.yahoo.com/video/woodland-man-tells-story-korean-025427310.html Woodland man tells story of Korean war horse, Marine mare]

[[Category:Korean War]]
[[Category:United States Marines]]
[[Category:Warhorses|Reckless]]
[[Category:1968 animal deaths]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Purple Heart medal]]

3-7-77

2014-09-18T13:23:07Z

Intothatdarkness: Reverted to revision 569785004 by Yintan (talk): Unsourced addition. (TW)

[[Image:Montana Highway Patrol.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Montana Highway Patrol patch]]
'''3-7-77''' was the infamous symbol of the [[Montana Vigilantes]] ([[Vigilance Committee]]) in [[Virginia City, Montana]]. People who had the mysterious set of numbers '3-7-77' painted on their [[tent]] or [[log cabin|cabin]] knew that they had better leave the area or be on the receiving end of [[vigilante]] justice. To this day the numbers appear on the shoulder patch of the [[Montana Highway Patrol]], who claim they do not know the original meaning of the symbol. It also appears on the flight suits of pilots of the Montana Air National Guard. It also appears on the Flight Patch of the Montana Army National Guard Medevac unit (C Co 1-189th GSAB - Vigilantes) Further, it appears under the bottle cap of certain varieties of Big Sky Brewing Company beer.<ref>Long, Nick. Personal interview. 13 Aug 2009. Interview.</ref> Various theories have been put forth about its origin, among them:

* The oldest interpretation is that it meant that the criminal had 3 hours 7 minutes and 77 seconds to leave town.

* Another common interpretation is that the numbers represent the dimensions of a grave, 3 feet by 7 feet by 77 inches.<ref>[[Norman Maclean|Maclean, Norman]] (1992). - ''[[A River Runs Through It (novel)|A River Runs Through It and Other Stories]]''. - New York, New York: Pocket Books (Simon & Schuster). - pp. 33. - ISBN 0-671-77697-5.</ref>

* The sum of the number 3+7+7+7 total 24, representing the criminal had 24 hours to leave town.

* That it was borrowed from [[California]] or [[Colorado]] vigilance organizations where member number #3 and #77 were authorized to carry out executions.

* Frederick Allen, in his book ''A Decent Orderly Lynching'', claims the number means one had to buy a $3 ticket on the next 7:00 a.m. [[Stagecoach]] to take the 77-mile trip from [[Helena Montana|Helena]] to [[Butte Montana|Butte]].<ref>Allen, Frederick. A Decent Orderly Lynching. Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press, 2004.</ref>

* May have something to do with the date March 7th, 1877; the numbers were first used in that decade and first appeared in print later in that decade of the 19th century

== See also ==

*[[4-11-44]]

==References==
{{reflist|1}}

==External links==
* [http://travel.mt.gov/history/Montana_the_Magazine_of_Western_History/montanavigilantes1.htm Montana Vigilantes and the Origins of the 3-7-77]

{{Montana}}

[[Category:Pre-statehood history of Montana]]
[[Category:American vigilantes]]
[[Category:American Old West]]

{{US-hist-stub}}

Montana Vigilantes

2014-09-16T13:55:14Z

Intothatdarkness: /* 3-7-77 */ Text tweeks

[[File:Vigilante Lynching Helena 1870.JPG|thumb|alt=B&W photo of crowd viewing hanging of two men from a tree in 1870|1870 vigilante execution of Arthur Compton and Joseph Wilson in Helena, Montana]]
The pre-territory and [[Montana Territory|Montana Territorial]] history of [[Vigilante]] justice and the '''Montana Vigilantes''' began in 1863 in what was then a remote part of the eastern [[Idaho Territory]] and continued, although somewhat sporadically, until the territory achieved [[Montana|statehood]] in 1889. Territorial law enforcement and courts had very little power in the remote [[mining camp]]s of what would eventually become southwestern Montana Territory. In 1863-1864, Montana Vigilantes followed the model of the [[San Francisco Committee of Vigilance]] in 1850s [[California]] to bring order to lawless communities in and around the gold fields of [[Alder Gulch]] and Grasshopper Creek. There are estimates that over 100 persons were killed in "[[highwayman|road agent]]" robberies in the fall of 1863. In the first six weeks of 1864, at least 20 road agents of the infamous [[Henry Plummer|Plummer]] gang known as the [[Innocents (gang)|Innocents]] were executed by the Vigilante Committee of Alder Gulch which organized in December 1863. Formal territorial law reached Alder Gulch in late 1864 with the arrival of Territorial Judge [[Hezekiah Lord Hosmer (judge)|Hezekiah L. Hosmer]] and vigilante activity ceased in the region.

As the gold fields of Alder Gulch and Grasshopper Creek declined in 1865, prospectors and fortune seekers migrated to newly discovered gold fields in and around Last Chance Gulch ([[Helena, Montana]]). Vigilante justice continued there with the formation of the Committee of Safety in 1865 as lawlessness increased. During the period 1865-1870, at least 14 alleged criminals were executed by Helena's vigilantes. In 1884, ranchers in Central and Eastern Montana resorted to vigilante justice to deal with cattle rustlers and horse thieves. The most notorious vigilantes of the period were "Stuart's Stranglers" organized by [[Granville Stuart]] in the [[Musselshell River|Musselshell region]].

Vigilantism in pre-territorial and territorial Montana has been written about, romanticized and chronicled in personal memoirs, biographies, documentary and scholarly works, film and fiction since 1866. The first book ever published in Montana chronicled the events surrounding the Alder Gulch vigilantes. In 1866, Thomas J. Dimsdale in [[Virginia City, Montana]] published the first edition of ''The Vigilantes of Montana'' in book form compiled from a serial of newspaper articles he wrote for the ''Montana Post'' in 1865.<ref>{{cite book |last=Smith |first=Jeffrey J. |title=Montana Book of Days |publisher=Historic Montana Publishing |location=Missoula, MT |year=2003 |page=277 |isbn=0966335562}}</ref>

== Bannack and Virginia City ==
[[File:Bannack - overview.jpg|thumb|right|200px|alt=Image of Montana ghost town|Bannack, Montana (2005)]]
On July 28, 1862, Gold was discovered along Grasshopper Creek, a tributary of the [[Beaverhead River]], in a remote part of eastern [[Idaho Territory]], leading to the establishment of the town of [[Bannack, Montana|Bannack]].<ref>{{cite web | last = Briggeman | first = Kim | title = 1st gold strike in territory that became Montana was 150 years ago | work = [[Missoulian]] | accessdate = 2013-12-28 | date = 2012-07-28 | url = http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/st-gold-strike-in-territory-that-became-montana-was-years/article_8789efd4-d927-11e1-a4d1-0019bb2963f4.html }}</ref> Bannack was a gold rush [[boomtown]] that was briefly the first territorial capital of [[Montana Territory]] after that territory was established in 1864. Less than a year after the Grasshopper Creek find, on May 26, 1863, gold was also discovered along Alder Gulch, a tributary creek northeast of the [[Ruby River]] that lies between the [[Tobacco Root Mountains]] and the [[Gravelly Range]] and {{convert|70|mi}} to the east of Bannack. The Alder Gulch find became one of the largest [[placer mining]] gold fields in the western U.S.<ref>{{cite book |last=Smith |first=Jeffrey J. |title=Montana Book of Days |publisher=Historic Montana Publishing |location=Missoula, MT |year=2003 |page=149 |isbn=0966335562}}</ref> The mining settlements of [[Virginia City, Montana|Virginia City]] and [[Nevada City, Montana]], which sprang up in Alder Gulch, boasted thousands of prospectors and fortune seekers by the end of 1863. These new settlements generally lacked [[justice system]]s found in populated portions of the territory, such as in the territorial capital in [[Lewiston, Idaho]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=The First Factor Leading to Vigilantism in the Region-The Absence of Police, Prosecutorial and Judicial Authority |pages=21–43}}</ref> In 1863, gold was the preferred form of currency in western frontier communities and had a value, fixed and guaranteed by the U.S. Government, of $20.67 per ounce. Almost all economic transactions in western mining communities were accomplished with gold nuggets, flakes or dust as currency and not surprisingly, the more gold one had, the more wealth one possessed.<ref>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=The Second Factor Leading to Vigilantism in the Region-The Value of Gold and Silver |pages=44–56}}</ref> During the earlier years of the territory, there was no secure way to transport wealth out of the region. The only means of transporting wealth out the the Alder Gulch gold fields was via horseback or slow moving wagons and [[stagecoach]]es on a limited number of trails and primitive roads leading south and west to Salt Lake City and San Francisco or east to Minnesota.<ref name=Dillon3>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=The Third Factor Leading to Vigilantism in the Region-The Insecure Means of Transporting Wealth |pages=57–88}}</ref> Roads and trails leading to Alder Gulch included the [[Bozeman Trail|Bozeman]] and [[Bridger Trail]]s connecting to the [[Oregon Trail]] from the east, the [[Mullan Road]] from points west and from [[Fort Benton, Montana]] the head of navigation on the [[Missouri River]] and the Corinne Road from [[Corinne, Utah]] and points south. Additionally, there was a single track, {{convert|70|mi|km|adj=on}} stage road that connected Alder Gulch with Bannack. Several commercial freight and two passenger stage companies—Peabody and Caldwell's and A.J. Oliver's—operated on this route. Stagecoaches had to stop at several different ranches during the trip to water and change horses, feed passengers and provide overnight lodging. One of these ranches, the Rattlesnake Ranch, was owned by Bill Bunton and Frank Parish, who were later hanged by the vigilantes as road agents and members of the Plummer gang.<ref name=Dillon3/>

=== Road agents and the Plummer gang ===
[[File:Plummer Gang Robbing Stage (1863).JPG|thumb|alt=B&W painting of men robbing a stagecoach|Painting by John W. Norton of Henry Plummer's gang holding up and robbing a stagecoach (1863)<ref>from {{cite book |author=Hough, Emerson |title=The Story of Outlaws |year=1907 |publisher=The Outing Publishing Company |location=New York |page=frontpiece}}</ref>]]
In an region where valuable gold was plentiful, transportation was insecure and effective law and order was lacking, travelers became easy prey for robbers. By late 1863, [[theft]]s and [[murder]]s along the routes in and around Alder Gulch had become common. In their writings about the vigilantes, Thomas Dimsdale and [[Nathaniel P. Langford]] estimated that at least 102 travelers were killed by robbers in the fall of 1863. Many more travelers left the region and were never heard from again.<ref name=Dillon3/> As this became a more frequent occurrence locals began suspecting that these crimes were being carried out by a single group of [[outlaw]]s, known as "[[Highwayman|road agents]]", under the control of Bannack sheriff [[Henry Plummer]]. The gang became known as the [[Innocents (gang)|Innocents]] because of their passwords, ''I am innocent''.<ref name="Dimsdale">{{cite book |author=Dimsdale, Thomas J. |title=The Vigilantes of Montana; or, Popular justice in the Rocky mountains; being a correct and impartial narrative of the chase, trial, capture, and execution of Henry Plummer's road agent band, together with accounts of the lives and crimes of many of the robbers and desperadoes, the whole being interspersed with sketches of life in the mining camps of the 'Far west.' |publisher= A. J. Noyes |edition=Third |year=1915 |url=https://archive.org/details/vigilantesofmont01dims |pages=21–23|chapter=The Road Agents}}</ref> Later in Montana history "road agent" became a catch all term for outlaws who ambushed innocent people on the roads.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}}

====Notorious robberies, attempted robberies and murders in 1863====
* On October 13, 1863, Lloyd Magruder was killed by road agent Chris Lowrie. Magruder was an Idaho merchant leaving Virginia City with $12,000 in gold dust from goods he had sold there. Several of the men he hired to accompany him back to Lewiston, Idaho were in fact criminals. Four other men in the party were also murdered in camp—Charlie Allen, Robert Chalmers, Horace Chalmers and William Phillips—by Lowrie, Doc Howard, Jem Romaine and William Page.<ref name=Dillon3/>
* On October 26, 1863, the Peabody and Caldwell's stage was robbed between the Rattlesnake Ranch and Bannack by two road agents believed to be Frank Parish and George Ives. Bill Bunton, the owner of the Rattlesnake Ranch who joined the stage at the ranch was also complicit in the robbery. The road agents netted $2,800 in gold from the passengers and threatened them all with death if they talked about the robbery.<ref name=Dillon3/>
* On November 13, 1863, a teenage Henry Tilden was in the employ of [[Wilbur F. Sanders|Wilbur Sanders]] and [[Sidney Edgerton]] to locate and corral some horses owned by Sanders and Edgerton. Near Horse Prairie, Tilden was confronted by three armed road agents. He was carrying very little money and was allowed to depart unmolested, but with the warning that if he talked, he would be killed. He did not heed the warning and told Sanders wife, Hattie and Sidney Edgerton that he had recognized one of the road agents as sheriff Henry Plummer. Although Tilden's report was discounted because Plummer was respected, this incident led to increased suspicion in the region that Plummer was the leader of a gang of road agents.<ref name=Dillon3/>
[[File:HenryPlummer.jpg|thumb|right|Henry Plummer]]
* On November 22, 1863, the A.J. Oliver stage was robbed on its way to Bannack from Virginia City by road agents George Ives, "Whiskey Bill" Graves and Bob Zachary. The robbery netted less than $1000 in gold and treasury notes. One of the victims, Leroy Southmayd made the mistake of reporting the robbery and identifying the road agents to Bannack Sheriff, Henry Plummer. Members of Plummer's gang confronted Southmayd on his return trip to Virginia City, but Southmayd was cunning enough to avoid injury or death.<ref name=Dillon3/>
* In November 1863, [[Conrad Kohrs]] traveled to Bannack from [[Deer Lodge, Montana]] with $5000 in gold dust to buy cattle. A conversation with Sheriff Plummer in Bannack led Kohrs to believe he might be robbed while on the trail back to Deer Lodge. While in an overnight camp his associates located road agents George Ives and "Dutch John" Wagner surveying the camp, armed with shotguns. A day or two later, Kohrs was on horseback returning to Deer Lodge when Ives and Wagner gave chase. Kohr's horse proved the faster and Kohr's evaded confrontation before reaching the safety of Deer Lodge.<ref name=Dillon3/>
* In early December 1863, a three wagon freight outfit organized by Milton S. Moody was going to Salt Lake City from Virginia City. Among the seven passengers was [[John Bozeman]]. The freight wagons were carrying $80,000 in gold dust and $1500 in treasury notes. While camped on [[Blacktail Deer Creek]], road agents "Dutch John" Wagner and Steve Marshland entered the camp, armed and ready to rob the train. Members of the camp had armed themselves well and Wagner and Marshland were able to escape, claiming they were just looking lost horses. Two days later, Wagner and Marshland were both wounded in an unsuccessful attempt to rob the train as it crossed the [[Continental Divide of the Americas|Continental Divide]] at [[Red Rock River (Montana)|Rock Creek]].<ref name=Dillon3/>
* On December 8, 1863, Anton Holter, who was taking oxen to sell in Virginia City, survived an attempted robbery and murder. When road agents George Ives and Aleck Carter, whom Holter recognized, discovered Holter was not carrying any significant wealth, they tried to shoot him. He was able to avoid being shot and escaped into the brush.<ref name=Dillon3/>

=== The failure of miners' courts===
Prior to the creation of the Montana Territory on May 26, 1864,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=013/llsl013.db&recNum=114 |title=Public Act of the Thirty-Eight Congress of the United States |chapter=XCV An Act to provide a temporary government for the Territory of Montana |publisher=U.S. Congress |date=May 26, 1864 |pages=85–93}}</ref> and the arrival of the territorial courts, the only court system available for the residents of Bannack and Virginia City were the informal [[miners' court]]s. The miners' courts were a vehicle of the organized mining districts<ref>{{cite report |author=Tingley, Joseph P. |title=Mining Districts of Nevada |publisher=Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology |year=1998 |pages=3-4 |url=http://www.nbmg.unr.edu/dox/r47/r47.pdf |format=pdf |accessdate=2014-09-06}}</ref> to resolve mining claims and disputes between miners in the district. When confronted with a major crime such as murder, they usually proved ineffective at resolving the crime to the satisfaction of the community.<ref>{{cite journal |authors=Anderson, Terry L.; Hill, P.J. |title=An American Experiment in Anarcho-Capitalism: The Not So Wild, Wild West |journal=The Journal of Libertarian Studies |url=http://mises.org/journals/jls/3_1/3_1_2.pdf |format=pdf |accessdate=2014-09-06 |year=1978}}</ref>

While there are not many of accounts of early courts in Alder Gulch, probably due to their informality and short existence, John X. Beidler recalled a murder trial in the Virginia City miners' court in his memoirs. The trial recalled by Beidler occurred in the fall of 1863.<ref name=beidler>{{cite book |author=Beidler, John Xavier |title=X. Beidler Vigilante |editors=Helen F. Sanders; William H. Bertsche Jr. |location=Norman, Oklahoma |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |year=1957}}</ref> It concerned the matter of the murder of J.W. Dillingham. The trial was held outside, due to the fact that every resident took part. In the end all three [[defendant]]s were set free. The first, Charley Forbes, was freed after he gave an eloquent and sentimental speech about his mother. The other two, Buck Stinson and Haze Lyons, were convicted and set to be the first men executed in what would become the state of Montana. However, at what would be a very public [[hanging]] friends and sympathizers of Stinson and Lyons convinced the crowd to vote again on the execution. Two attempts at counting the vote were made according to Beidler. The first people voting 'hang' were to walk up-hill while those voting 'no hang' were to walk down-hill. This vote was rejected and the next attempt had four men form two gates and people would cast their vote by walking through the 'hang' gate or the 'no hang' gate. Biedler claims that friends of the condemned men simply walked through the 'no hang' gate multiple times casting multiple fraudulent votes that possibly allowed two murderers to walk free.<ref name=beidler/>

On December 19–21, 1863, a public trial was held for George Ives, the suspected murderer of a young Dutch immigrant Nicholas Tiebolt. Hundreds of miners from around the area attended the 3-day, outdoor trial. George Ives was prosecuted by [[Wilbur F. Sanders]] and Ives was convicted and hanged on December 21, 1863.<ref>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=The Murder of Nicolas Tiebolt and the Trial and Execution of George Ives |pages=89–118}}</ref> Sanders played a prominent role in Montana history and eventually became the first U.S. Senator from Montana when the territory gained statehood in 1889. While the Ives trial resulted in an execution many residents were frustrated by a cumbersome process that could easily be manipulated. This sentiment is illustrated by a quote from Thomas Dimsdale who wrote the first published account of the Montana Vigilantes, originally written in 1865 as a series of articles for the ''Montana Post'' and later compiled into a book.

{{quotation|Another powerful incentive to wrong-doing is the absolute nulity of the [[Civil law (legal system)|civil law]] in such cases. No matter what may be the proof, if the criminal is well liked in the community 'Not Guilty' is almost certain to be the verdict, despite the efforts of the judge and prosecutor.|''Vigilantes of Montana'', Thomas Dimsdale, 1865<ref name="Dimsdale14">{{cite book |author=Dimsdale, Thomas J. |title=The Vigilantes of Montana; or, Popular justice in the Rocky mountains; being a correct and impartial narrative of the chase, trial, capture, and execution of Henry Plummer's road agent band, together with accounts of the lives and crimes of many of the robbers and desperadoes, the whole being interspersed with sketches of life in the mining camps of the 'Far west.' |publisher= A. J. Noyes |edition=Third |year=1915 |url=https://archive.org/details/vigilantesofmont01dims |page=14}}</ref>}}

=== Formation of the Vigilance Committee ===
On December 23, 1863, two days after the Ives trial, a group of five Virginia City residents, led by Wilbur F. Sanders, and including Major Alvin W. Brockie, John Nye, Captain Nick D. Wall and Paris Pfouts organized the Vigilance Committee of Alder Gulch.<ref name=DillonCommittee>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=Formation of the Vigilance Committee |pages=119–134}}</ref> The original committee oath signed by its earliest members was:
{{quotation|We the undersigned uniting ourselves in a party for the laudable purpos [sic] of arresting thievs [sic] & murderers & recovering stollen [sic] property do pledge ourselves upon our sacred honor each to all others & solemnly swear that we will reveal no secrets, violate no laws of right & never desert each other or our standard of justice so help us God as witness our hand and seal this 23 of December ad 1863|From original signed oath document held by Montana Historical Society<ref name=DillonCommittee/>}}

Paris Pfouts was elected as the president of the committee which drafted and adopted a comprehensive set of by-laws establishing a formal structure and process. The by-laws established the position of president, an executive officer, an executive committee, a secretary, treasurer and positions of captains and lieutenants of companies.<ref name=DillonCommittee/> The most relevant process contained in the by-laws was:
{{quotation|It shall be the duty of members to attach themselves to some company and whenever any criminal act shall come to their knowledge to inform his Captain or Lieutenant of the same, when the officers so informed shall call together the members of his Company, (unless the Company has chosen a committee for such purpose) when they shall proceed to investigate the case, and elicit the facts and should the said company conclude that the person charged with any offense should be punished by the committee, the Captain or Lieutenant will first take steps to arrest the Criminal and then report same with proof to the Chief who will thereupon call a meeting of the Executive Committee and the judgement of such Executive Committee shall be final. The only punishment that shall be inflicted by this Committee is death.|By-laws of Vigilance Committee of Alder Gulch (1863)<ref name=DillonB>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=Appendix B Bylaws of the Vigilance Committee |pages=404–405}}</ref>}}

===Prominent members===
Although the vigilance committee started as a small secret institution in Virginia City, knowledge of it soon spread in the territory and membership grew. As a secret organization, exact accounts of membership vary, but many members became prominent in the history of the territory and state. Among those who were members include Wilbur Sanders (1st U.S. Senator from Montana (1890)), Sidney Edgerton (first Governor of Montana Territory (1864)), [[Nelson Story]] (famous for his 1866 cattle drive from Texas to Bozeman and prominent Bozeman merchant), [[John Bozeman]] (founder of Bozeman, Montana (1864) and the Bozeman Trail), Nathaniel P. Langford (first [[Yellowstone National Park]] superintendent (1872-1877)), James Stuart (brother of [[Granville Stuart]] "Mr. Montana", who would form the Stuarts' Stranglers in 1884), Tom Cover (one of the Alder Gulch prospectors who discovered the first gold there and alleged murderer of John Bozeman (1867)) and Thomas Dimsdale (editor of Montana's first newspaper, the ''Montana Post'' and author of ''The Vigilantes of Montana'' (1866)).<ref name=DillonCommittee/>

Due to the secret nature of the organization it is difficult to be sure when an execution was carried out by the vigilance committee or another group of motivated citizens. In the months following the Ives trial many suspected road agents were hanged. Notably, Henry Plummer, the sheriff of Bannack, who was suspected by many of being the ringleader of the road agents. The Montana Vigilantes hanged men using the testimony of other men who faced their imminent executions as the sole evidence. Of the few accounts of the early actions of the Montana Vigilantes, Beidler and Dimsdale are the most complete. Though they give little information about the secret trials conducted by the vigilantes. Estimates vary, but it is believed that between the years 1863 and 1865 somewhere from 15 to 35 people were killed due to the actions of the vigilantes.<ref name=Allen3777>{{cite journal |author=Allen, Frederick. |title=Montana Vigilantes and the Origins of 3-7-77 |journal=Montana: The Magazine of Western History |volume=51 |number=1 |date=Spring 2001 |pages=2–19}}</ref>

===Vigilante justice===
Over of course of approximately six weeks between December 1863 and February 1864, vigilante companies located, arrested and executed suspected members of the Plummer road agent gang in Bannack, Virginia City and Hellgate, Montana.

====Bannack====
Shortly after its formation, the Vigilance Committee dispatched a posse of men to search for Aleck Carter, "Whiskey Bill" Graves and Bill Bunton, known associates of George Ives. The posse was led by vigilante Captain James Williams, the man who had investigated the Nicolas Tiebolt murder by George Ives. Near the Rattlesnake Ranch on the Ruby River, the posse located "Erastus Red" Yeager and George Brown, both suspected road agents. While traveling back to Virginia City, Yeager made a complete confession, naming the majority of the road agents in Plummer's gang, including Henry Plummer. After obtaining the confession, Yeager and Brown were found guilty by the posse and summarily hanged from a cottonwood tree on the Lorrain's Ranch on the Ruby River.<ref name=Dillon8>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=The Hanging Spree Begins |pages=135–155}}</ref> On January 6, 1863, "Dutch John" Wagner, a road agent wounded in the Moody robbery was captured by vigilante Captain Nick Wall and Ben Peabody on the Salt Lake City trail. The vigilantes transported Wagner to Bannack where he was hanged on January 11, 1864. By this time, Yeager's confession had mobilized vigilantes against Plummer and his key associates, deputies Buck Stinson and Ned Ray. Plummer, Stinson and Ray were arrested on the morning of January 10, 1864 and summarily hanged. On January 11, 1863, "Greaser Joe" Pizanthia, a road agent on Yeager's list, was located in his cabin just outside Bannack. A gunfight ensued that took the life of one vigilante, George Copley. Pizanthia's cabin was bombarded with three shells from a [[Mountain gun|mountain howitzer]] belonging to Sidney Edgerton. The bombardment severely wounded Pizanthia and he was shot and killed as he was removed from the wreckage of the cabin.<ref name=Dillon8/>

====Virginia City====
After Wagner's execution on January 11, 1864, the vigilantes who were mostly men from Virginia City, returned there to deal with the remaining road agents in the Plummer gang. On the evening of January 13, 1863, the Vigilance Committee voted to arrest and hang six road agents believed to be living in Virginia City—Frank Parish, Boone Helm, Hayes Lyons, Jack Gallagher, George "Clubfoot" Lane and Bill Hunter.<ref name=Dillon9>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=The Bloody Drama Moves From Bannack to Virginia City |pages=156–177}}</ref> On the morning of January 14, 1864, five of the six road agents were located in town and arrested. They were all summarily hanged from a beam in a building under construction on Wallace Street. Bill Hunter escaped capture in Virginia City, but was later arrested at a cabin on the [[Gallatin River]] and was hanged from a Cottonwood tree on February 3, 1864.

After the January 14, 1864 hangings, the vigilante companies left Virginia City in search of the remaining road agents on Yeager's list. The first to be located was Steve Marshland holed up in a cabin on the [[Big Hole River]] and was hanged on January 16, 1864. A posse led by Captain Williams found Bill Bunton at his Cottonwood Ranch on the Ruby River and hanged him on January 18, 1864.<ref name=Dillon9/>

====Hell Gate====
After the Bunton execution, the vigilante companies regrouped and made a {{convert|90|mi|km|adj=on}} ride to [[Hell Gate, Montana]] where they believed more road agents were hiding. In Hell Gate, Captain William's vigilante company located and arrested Cyrus Skinner, Aleck Carter, and John Cooper. A vigilante trial of Skinner and Carter was held in the [[Francis Lyman Worden|Worden]] and [[Christopher P. Higgins|Higgins]] dry goods store on January 24, 1864. Both men were found guilty and hanged outside the store. The Cooper trial occurred later in the day, but he too was convicted and hanged.<ref name=Dillon9/> On January 25, 1864, the vigilantes located Bob Zachary in a cabin outside of Hell Gate and George Shears in another cabin in the [[Bitterroot Valley]]. Zachary was brought to Hell Gate and hanged. Shears was hanged outside the cabin he was captured in. As the vigilante companies were leaving Hell Gate to return to Virginia City, they received word that "Whiskey Bill" Graves was at [[Stevensville, Montana|Fort Owen, Montana]]. Three vigilantes located and arrested him on January 26, 1864. He was hanged the same day.

===Known road agents executed by the Vigilance Committee of Alder Gulch===
* Henry Plummer, sheriff of Bannack, executed in Bannack on January 10, 1864
* Erastus "Red" Yeager, road agent and messenger, executed along the Ruby River, January 4, 1864
* George Brown, road agent and gang secretary, executed along the Ruby River, January 4, 1864
* "Dutch John" Wagner, road agent, executed in Bannack, January 11, 1864
* Ned Ray, executed in Bannack, January 10, 1864
* Buck Stinson, executed in Bannack, January 10, 1864
* "Greaser Joe" Pizanthia, road agent, shot and killed in Bannack, January 11, 1864
* Frank Parish, road agent, executed in Virginia City, January 14, 1864
* Boone Helm, road agent, executed in Virginia City, January 14, 1864
* Jack Gallagher, road agent, executed in Virginia City, January 14, 1864
* George "Clubfoot" Lane, road agent, executed in Virginia City, January 14, 1864
* Hayes Lyon, road agent, executed in Virginia City, January 14, 1864
* Steve Marshland, road agent, executed near the Big Hole River, January 16, 1864
* Bill Bunton, road agent, executed at Cottonwood Ranch on the Ruby River, January 18, 1864
* Cyrus Skinner, road agent, executed in Hell Gate, January 24, 1864
* Aleck Carter, road agent, executed in Hell Gate, January 24, 1864
* Johnny Cooper, road agent, executed in Hell Gate, January 24, 1864
* Bob Zachary, road agent, executed in Hell Gate, January 25, 1864
* George Shears, road agent, executed in the Bitterroot Valley, January 25, 1864
* "Whiskey Bill" Graves, road agent, executed near Fort Owen, January 26, 1864
* Bill Hunter, road agent, executed in Gallatin Valley, February 3, 1864

===Other executions===
* An unknown 19 year old boy was hanged on February 17, 1864, in Virginia City for shooting an unarmed man in a tavern.<ref name=Dillon9/>
* Chris Lowrie, Doc Howard, and Jem Romaine were convicted of the Magruder murders by a Idaho Territorial court in Lewiston and hanged on March 4, 1864, based on the testimony of William Page. Page was not executed.<ref name=Dillon3/>
* On March 10, 1864, vigilantes hanged J.A. Slade in Virginia City for serious drunken behavior, breaches of the peace and reckless gun play that endangered the communities' citizens.<ref name=Dillon15>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=Due Process and Procedure: Vigilante Sentences |pages=316–337}}</ref>
* James Brady was hanged by vigilantes in Nevada City on June 15, 1864, for shooting another man.<ref name=Dillon9/>
* Jem Kelly was apprehended near present day [[Jackson, Wyoming|Jackson]], Idaho Territory on the [[Snake River]] by Montana vigilantes for a series of petty thefts in Alder Gulch. He was hanged on September 5, 1864, along the Snake River in Idaho Territory.<ref name=Dillon9/>
* On September 17, 1864, vigilantes hanged John "The Hat" Dolan in Virginia City for stealing $700 from a roommate.<ref name=Dillon9/>
* On October 31, 1864, vigilantes captured and hanged J.C. Rawley in Bannack for his alleged spying on behalf of the road agent gang in 1863. This was the last execution performed by the Vigilance Committee of Alder Gulch.<ref name=Dillon15/>

===Banishments and escapes===
Another tactic employed by the vigilantes was banishment from the territory. It is unknown how many men were given the warning to leave the territory or suffer execution for their misdeeds. [[Alexander Toponce]], a merchant in Bannack at the time believed the number of banishments was high but wrote this in his autobiography: ''Reminiscences of Alexander Toponce (1923)'':
{{quotation|I don't think they [the vigilantes] made any mistake in hanging anybody. The only mistake they made was about fifty percent of those whom they merely banished should have been hung instead, as quite a number of these men were finally hung.|Reminiscences of Alexander Toponce (1923)<ref name=Dillon9/>}}

Some of the road agents in Plummer's gang or on Yeager's list were able to escape vigilante justice by fleeing the territory. Notable among these men were Augustus "Gad" Moore, Billy Terwilliger, William Mitchell, Harvey Meade, "Rattlesnake Dick", "Cherokee Bob", Tex Caldwell, Jeff Perkins, Samuel Bunton, "Irwin of the Big Hole", William Moore and Charles Reeves.<ref name=Dillon9/>

===Establishment of Territorial Law===
During the summer of 1864, [[Hezekiah Lord Hosmer (judge)|Hezekiah L. Hosmer]], a laywer from Ohio, was working for the U.S. House of Representative Committee on Territories. After working on the formation of Montana Territory for the committee, he was formally appointed as the first Chief Judge of Montana Territory. He arrived in Montana in October 1864. Prior to the first session of the Territorial Legislature which convened on December 12, 1864, in Bannack, Hosmer announced that he was adopting [[Common Law]] as the primary criminal and civil law and Idaho's Territorial Law as a basis for criminal and civil procedure. On December 5, 1864, Hosmer boldly convened a public Grand Jury session in Virginia City and announced that the vigilantes had served their purpose and from this day forward, unilateral actions by the vigilantes would be considered criminal acts.<ref name=Dillon10>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=The Establishment of a Territorial Court at Alder Gulch |pages=178–193}}</ref>

== Later vigilante activity in Montana ==

=== Helena 1865-1870 ===
Vigilante justice in Helena followed a pattern similar to that of Alder Gulch. On July 14, 1864, four prospectors—John S. Cowan, John Crab, Bob Staley and Daniel Jackson—found gold in a small creek they named "Last Chance Gulch". As word spread through the territory of the gold strike, prospectors and fortune seekers (many from Alder Gulch and Bannack) migrated to the gold fields of Last Chance Gulch and the city of Helena, Montana was born.<ref name=Dillon11>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=Vigilantism Migrates North to Helena, 1865-1870 |pages=194–230}}</ref> By the middle of 1865, many of the prominent vigilantes of Alder Gulch including Wilbur Sanders, John X. Biedler and Anton Holter had moved to Helena. When the territory was formed, three judicial districts were established. The First District belonged to Judge Hosmer and included the towns of Bannack, Virginia City, Nevada City and Deer Lodge. The Third District encompassed the towns around Helena. The Third District did not get its first chief judge until August 1865, when Judge Lyman Munson arrived from the east. From July 1864, until August 1865, the only justice system was the miners' court.

On June 8, 1865, John Keene and Harry Slater, two men who had an unresolved quarrel from their days in Salt Lake City, spotted each other in Sam Greer's saloon on Helena's Bridge Street. Keene shot Slater in the head, killing him instantly. Keene surrendered himself to Helena sheriff George Wood and freely admitted his guilt in the shooting. A two day trial ensued where some members of the jury were known vigilantes from Alder Gulch. Since there was no official trial judge, Stephan Reynolds, who was merely a respected member of the Helena community, presided. At the end of the trial, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict and Keene was hanged from the lone pine tree just outside of town. The large tree, one of few that remained in proximity to Helena because most had been cut down for lumber, became known as the "Old Hangman's Tree".<ref name=Dillon11/> Although Keene's trial and execution was not considered vigilantism, the Helena community, similar to the Alder Gulch community in 1863, felt the need to establish a more reliable means of law and order.

====Formation of Helena's Committee of Safety====
Immediately after Keene's hanging, leading members of the Helena community established the Helena Committee of Safety. Although no records of the committee's membership or bylaws exist, Nathaniel Langford, who had been asked to lead the organization but declined (he did serve on its Executive Committee), reflected in his book ''Vigilante Days and Ways'', that the Helena vigilantes followed the same pattern as the Vigilance Committee of Alder Gulch; crimes of horse stealing, murder, and highway robbery would be punishable by death.<ref name=Dillon11/> In July 1865, the Helena vigilantes captured Jack Silvie in [[Diamond City, Montana]] who was charged with various crimes of robbery. Prior to his execution by hanging from Helena's "Hangman's Tree", Silvie confessed to being a member of the Virginia City road agents and to at least a dozen murders in the territory.

Shortly after Judge Lyman Munson's arrival in Helena, he convened a Grand Jury on August 12, 1865. However, unlike Judge Hosmer in Alder Gulch, Munson made no remarks about vigilantism nor did he threaten vigilantes with prosecution if they continued their activities. The vigilantes showed little respect for Munson's court and proceeded to carry out at least 14 executions in the next eight months.<ref name=Dillon11/> No member of Helena's vigilantes was ever indicted by Munson's grand jury for executions carried out by the Helena Committee of Safety. The last execution by the Helena vigilantes occurred on April 27, 1870 when Joseph Wilson and Arthur Compton were hanged from the "Old Hangman's Tree" for the robbery and attempted murder of George Leonard. The double hanging is significant because it was photographed at the time and the image, widely circulated, had the effect of seriously dampening public sentiment for vigilantism.<ref name=Dillon11/>

=== Pax Vigilanticus ===
By the 1870s Montana as a whole was experiencing what Montana historian Frederic Allen described as a "sort of pax vigilanticus" Allen claims this was due to the reputation for summary executions and the discovery of gold in the [[Black Hills]] of the [[Dakota Territory]]. This drew many of the prospectors and camp followers out of Montana reducing the sector of the population more closely associated with crime.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Allen, Frederick, |title=Montana Vigilantes and the Origins of 3-7-77 |journal=Montana: The Magazine of Western History |volume=51 |number=1 |date=Spring 2001 |pages=2–19}}</ref>

===Rise of Stockmen's Associations and "Stuart's Stranglers"===
By the 1870s, cattle ranching and related livestock raising was a large and prosperous business in Montana. Cattle and horses were valuable commodities and always subject to [[rustling]] by thieves.<ref name=Clay>{{cite journal |author=Clay, T.A. |title=A Call to Order: Law, Violence, and the Development of Montana's Early Stockmen's Organizations |journal=Montana: The Magazine of Western History |volume=58 |number=3 |date=Autumn 2008 |pages=48–63, 95–96 |publisher=Montana Historical Society |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/25485736 |location=Helena, Montana}}</ref> Until 1879, most stock raising was done in the Deer Lodge area and other valleys in Western Montana. In 1879, once the [[American Indian Wars|Indian Wars]] on the plains had concluded, stock ranches and open range cattle moved east into Central and Eastern Montana. The DHS ranch, owned by [[Samuel Hauser]], Andrew Davis and Granville Stuart was established in 1879 in the [[Musselshell River|Musselshell]] region of Central Montana. The DHS became one of the largest open range ranches in Montana.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Reese, William S.|title=Granville Stuart of the DHS Ranch, 1879-1887 |journal=Montana: The Magazine of Western History |volume=31 |number=3 |date=Summer 1981 |pages=14–27 |publisher=Montana Historical Society |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/4518583 |location=Helena, Montana}}</ref>

The first stockmen's association in Montana was formed in Virginia City in 1873. The association was established to discuss branding standards, how to deal with rustling and how to influence the territorial legislature to pass laws favorable to the cattle industry. This association did not survive, but led to the creation of other associations in subsequent years.<ref name=Clay/> In 1878, the Montana Stock Association of Lewis and Clark County was organized. One of its prominent members, Ross Deegan, editorialized at the time alluding to the need for extra legal action if the territorial legislature did not enact laws to protect the cattle industry:
{{quotation|Will [our legislators] give us ... protection, or shall we be compelled against our wishes to become judges and executors of what we deem a proper penalty for the commission of such infringement upon the rights of property?|Ross Deegan, Helena Weekly Herald, January 9, 1879<ref name=Clay/>}}

In July, 1879, a Territorial Stock Association was formed that ultimately spawned a number of small county or district based associations throughout Montana. By 1883, the value of cattle in Montana was estimated at greater than $25 million and annual losses from rustling exceeded three percent.<ref name=Clay/> By the summer of 1884, cattle men resorted to vigilatism to deal with rustlers and the first recorded hanging occurred at Fort Maginnis on July 3, 1884, when Reese Anderson, a DHS ranch foreman, and several other ranch hands hanged Sam McKenzie for horse thievery.<ref>{{cite book |editor=Kennedy, Michael S. |title=Cowboys and Cattlemen: A Roundup from Montana:The Magazine of Western History |chapter=Rustlers, Renegade and Stranglers-Ridding the Range of Renegades |author=Mueller, Oscar O. |page=240 |year=1964 |publisher=Hastings House, Publishers |location=New York }}</ref>

====Stuart's Stranglers====
The hanging of Sam McKenzie and other citizen justice in early July 1884 prompted many thieves and rustlers to leave the territory. However, a large band of horse thieves still operated in the Musselshell region. With the tacit approval of the stockgrower's associations, Granville Stuart organized a small intelligence network and mobilized forces to go after the thieves. The group included many of Stuart's ranch hands and stock detectives employed by various stock associations. Known as "Stuart's Stranglers", the vigilantes were responsible for the recovery of dozens of stolen horses and the deaths of at least 18 thieves in July 1884, by hanging, shootings or fire.<ref name=Mueller>{{cite book |editor=Kennedy, Michael S. |title=Cowboys and Cattlemen: A Roundup from Montana:The Magazine of Western History |chapter=Rustlers, Renegade and Stranglers-Ridding the Range of Renegades |author=Mueller, Oscar O. |pages=240–252 |year=1964 |publisher=Hastings House, Publishers |location=New York }}</ref> The last hanging occurred on August 1, 1884. In July 1864, [[Theodore Roosevelt]] who became the 26th President of the United States, was operating a cattle ranch in [[Medora, North Dakota]] along the [[Little Missouri River]] in cooperation with cattle merchant [[Marquis de Mores]]. His ranch was suffering from rustling as well. Both Mores and Roosevelt offered their services to the Stranglers, but Stuart declined the offer to avoid the undue notoriety they would bring.<ref>{{cite book |title=Theodore Roosevelt in the Badlands: A Young Politician's Quest for Recovery in the American West |author=Roger L. Di Silvestro |publisher=Walker & Company |year=2011 |isbn=9780802717214 |chapter=The Ranchman |page=99 }}</ref> From that point forward, stock detectives, employed by the various stock associations, took responsibility for enforcing stock laws and deterring rustling. Although there was minor public outrage about the killings, none of Stuart's Stranglers were ever brought to trial for their actions and editorials in regional newspapers praised their efforts.<ref name=Dillon16>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=Postmortem Echos of Times Past |pages=338–383}}</ref> General acclamation of Granville Stuart's actions was reflected by his election as the first president of the Montana Stockgrower's Association in late July 1884.<ref name=Mueller/>

==3-7-77==
The numerical symbol [[3-7-77]] has long been associated with Montana vigilantes and is currently incorporated into the shoulder patch of the [[Montana Highway Patrol]]. Its meaning is unclear and many theories have been put forward trying to explain what it symbolized.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The Fateful Numbers 3-7-77: A Re-Examination |author=Rex C. Myers |journal=Montana: The Magazine of Western History |volume=24 |number=4 |date=Autumn 1974 |pages=67–70 |publisher=Montana Historical Society |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/4517928 }}</ref> Although it has been associated with vigilantes in Alder Gulch, this is not supported by historical evidence. The first documented evidence of use of the symbol in a vigilante scenario occurred in November 1879 in Helena when it was mentioned in a newspaper article.<ref name=Allen3777/>

==Period accounts of Montana Vigilantes (1863-1889)==
The first written account of the vigilantes was Thomas Dimsdale's ''Vigilantes of Montana'' which first appeared as a series of articles in 1865 editions of the ''Montana Post'', Virginia City's and Montana's first newspaper. Dimsdale was a member of the Alder Gulch Vigilance Committee and editor of the Montana Post in Virginia City. His early accounts of the Alder Gulch vigilante events are widely cited and the book version of his articles, the first book published in Montana Territory in 1866 has been extensively reprinted since its first edition.
{{quotation|The value of Dimsdale's work lies in the fact that the volume at first a series of articles for his own paper, The Montana Post is exactly what it purports to be. Truth than fiction is ever stranger, and no glorified romance of the old west has ever succeeded in echoing like authenticity. What we have in The Vigilantes is the statement of fact before it becomes fiction, the unadorned moment in history before hearsay, the folk imagination, and the teller of tales weaves it into saga.|Book review, Howard W. Troyer, 1953<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/4317606?origin=JSTOR-pdf |format=pdf |title=Book Review - The Vigilantes of Montana by Thomas J. Dimsdale |author=Troyer, Howard W. |journal=Midwest Folklore |volume=6 |number=4 |date=Winter 1956 |pages=246–248 |publisher=Indiana University Press}}</ref>}}

X Biedler, one of the Alder Gulch and Helena vigilante enforcers wrote about his vigilante activities in his personal journals. They weren't available until well after his death when Helen F. Sanders, the daughter-in-law of Wilbur Sanders finally got them published in 1957.<ref name=Dillon16/> Nathaniel Langford, also a member of the vigilantes, explorer of the upper Yellowstone (1870),<ref name="LangfordDiary">{{cite book |last=Langford |first=Nathaniel Piit |title=The Discovery of Yellowstone Park--Diary of the Washburn Expedition to the Yellowstone and Firehole Rivers in the Year 1870 |publisher=Frank Jay Haynes |location=St Paul, MN |year=1905 }}</ref> first superintendent of Yellowstone National Park (1872-1877),<ref name="norris">{{cite web |last=Rydell |first=Kiki Leigh |author2=Mary Shivers Culpin |title=The Administrations of Nathaniel Langford and Philetus Norris |work=A History of Administrative Development in Yellowstone National Park, 1872–1965 |publisher=Yellowstone National Park |url=http://www.nps.gov/yell/historyculture/upload/chapter1.pdf |format=pdf |date=July 5, 2006 |accessdate=2014-09-14}}</ref> territorial tax collector (1864-1869) and author published ''Vigilante Days and Ways-Pioneers of the Rockies'' in 1893 after he returned to his home in Minnesota. In a 1912 speech to the Montana Historical Society, western historian, Olin Wheeler provided positive commentary on the Alder Gulch vigilantes in a tribute to the life of Nathaniel Langford.<ref name=Wheeler>{{cite web |url=https://ia700302.us.archive.org/20/items/nathanielpittlan00wheerich/nathanielpittlan00wheerich.pdf |title=Nathaniel Pitt Langford-Vigilante, Explorer, The Expounder and Superintendent of Yellowstone Park|format=pdf |author=Olin Dunbar Wheeler |date=April 8, 1912 |accessdate=2014-09-14 |publisher=Montana Historical Society}}</ref>
{{quotation|... Under the domination of the Vigilantes the desperadoes were hung or banished, crime was actually and swiftly punished, life and property were rendered safe, and society was rescued from a state of anarchy. Some of the best citizens in the territory were Vigilantes. ... Mr. Langford himself, happily, in the Introduction to his ''Vigilante Days and Ways'' and a most valuable chronicle of the time of which it treats, has presented a statement of facts and of arguments justifying the Vigilante methods, that is impartial, honest, cogent, forceful, and convincing to an open and discriminating mind. Honor and praise, instead of adverse criticism, are due those men, and no apologies are necessary for what they did and dared.|Olin D. Wheeler, 1912<ref name=Wheeler/>}}

==Contemporary analysis of Montana Vigilantes (1863-1889)==
Although some vigilante activities during this period were criticized by citizens and civic leaders, there was a general affirmation of their purpose and contribution to law and order in a growing territory. Mark C. Dillon’s ''Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows'' (2013) concludes that given the lawless environment and criminal activity in Alder Gulch and Helena at the time, the lack of any functioning justice system and the understanding of [[due process]] at the time, the vigilantes acted in a way they thought was best for their communities. He contends that judging the vigilantes by today’s understanding and standards of due process is problematic.<ref name=Dillon8>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=Conclusion |pages=390–91}}</ref>
{{quotation|Justice Dillon’s book is the first work of its kind that examines western vigilante history through the prism of substantive, procedural, and constitutional law, and the role that lawyers and judges ultimately played in restoring a credible system of criminal justice to the region by the end of the decade. … Universities only publish books that survive rigorous peer reviews. Historian Paul R. Wylie, who was among the historians that reviewed Dillon’s manuscript, predicts that the book "will be the best work on the Montana Vigilantes, and will likely be around for years to come.” Wylie describes the book as having a "careful, informative, judicial approach [that is] well-written and very readable," and that to his knowledge, "there has never been a work in the area quite like this." |Book Announcement Rockland County Bar Association (2012)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rocklandbar.org/files/60373405.pdf |title=Book Announcement |publisher=Rockland County Bar Association |format=pdf |accessdate=2014-09-13}}</ref>}}

Some works published in the late 20th century about vigilante activity in Alder Gulch portray the vigilantes and their leaders as conspirators with political motives rather than restoring law and order, making an argument that victims were not afforded due process prior to their execution and evidence was insufficient to prove their guilt or innocence. Two works, of Ruth E. Mather and R.E. Boswell, ''Hanging the Sheriff-A Biography of Henry Plummer'' (1987, 1999) and ''Vigilante Victims: Montana's 1864 Hanging Spree'' (1991) have been criticized as [[Historical revisionism (negationism)|revisionist]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://svcalt.mt.gov/education/textbook/Chapter6/vigilantes.asp |title=More On Vigilantes/Vigilantism |publisher=MT.gov |accessdate=2014-09-13}}</ref> and received poor reviews by Montana historians such as [[Michael P. Malone]]<ref>{{cite journal |title=Review-Hanging the Sheriff: A Biography of Henry Plummer by R. E. Mather; F. E. Boswell |author=Malone, Michael P. |journal=The Pacific Northwest Quarterly |volume=79 |number=2 |date=April 1988) |page=77 |publisher=University of Washington |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/40490954 |quote=Historians, especially of Montana and of frontier crime and vigilantism, have long proclaimed the need for a biography of Henry Plummer, the notorious western lawman and alleged outlaw. Drawing upon the thin scattering of historical sources available, and also upon R. E. Mather's expertise in genealogical research (acquired at the Salt Lake Genealogical Library), this brief volume attempts to meet this considerable challenge. Its success in doing so is debatable. Hanging the Sheriff is a self-proclaimed "revisionist" biography. It emphatically rejects the popular view, dating from the 1850s and 1860s, that Plummer was a violent, murderous, perhaps even psychopathic man. Instead, Mather and F. E. Boswell argue that his highly civilized and gentlemanly image - an image that he could undeniably project - was in fact the real man.}}</ref> and Richard B. Roeder.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Review of Hanging the Sheriff: A Biography of Henry Plummer by R. E. Mather; F. E. Boswell |author=Richard B. Roeder |journal=Montana: The Magazine of Western History |volume=38 |number=4 |date=Autumn, 1988 |pages=74–75 |publisher=Montana Historical Society |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/4519178}}</ref> Additional criticism came from later authors such as Mark C. Dillon<ref name=Dillon14-310>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=Due Process and Procedure: Vigilante Arrests and Trials |page=310}}</ref> and Carol Buchanan.<ref name="Buchanan, Carol">{{cite web |author=Buchanan, Carol |url=http://www.swanrange.com/vigilante/annotatedReadingList.pdf |format=pdf |title=Annotated Bibliography |publisher=swanrange.com |accessdate=2014-09-09 |date=July 27, 2012}}</ref>

* {{cite book |first=R. E. |last=Mather |author2=Boswell, D.E. |title=Hanging the Sheriff-A Biography of Henry Plummer |location=Salt Lake City, Utah |publisher=University of Utah Press |year=1987 |isbn=0-9663355-0-3}}
{{quotation|In Hanging the Sheriff, R. E. Mather and F. E. Boswell have radically redrawn the portrait of Sheriff Henry Plummer and effectively challenged the conventional justification of the Montana vigilantes of 1863-64. The authors reject the vigilante defenders assertion that Plummer's reign of terror necessitated the formation of a vigilance committee to bring law and order to the area. First, law had been established at Bannack through the miners' court, Plummer's election, and the arrival of Judge Edgerton in September 1863. Second, Plummer's alleged leadership of the road agents was based on an unsubstantiated and unexamined accusation.|Review, Frank Grant, Western Historical Quarterly, 1988<ref>{{cite journal |journal=The Western Historical Quarterly |volume=19 |number=3 |date=August 1988 |page=346 |publisher=Western Historical Quarterly, Utah State University on behalf of The Western History Association |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/968265 |title=Hanging the Sheriff: A Biography of Henry Plummer by R. E. Mather; F. E. Boswell Review by: Frank R. Grant |author=Grant, Frank R.}}</ref>}}

* {{cite book|authors=Mather, R. E.; F. E. Boswell |title=Vigilante Victims: Montana’s 1864 Hanging Spree |publisher=History West Publishing |location=San Jose, CA |year=1991}}
{{quotation|This is a "revisionist" history of the Vigilante movement that claims the road agents were victims of a plot perpetrated in a struggle for power between two factions, one favoring the North and the other favoring the South. It overlooks the cooperation between Pfouts, a strong Confederate, and Sanders, a Union abolitionist, in the leadership of the Vigilantes, and that Jack Gallagher was a Union sympathizer, while Boone Helm died shouting, "Hoorah for Jeff Davis!"|Carol Buchanan, Swan Range, the writings of Carol Buchanan (2012)<ref name="Buchanan, Carol"/>}}

Another account from John C. Fazio, who writes for the Cleveland Civil War Roundtable, contends that Vigilance Committee of Alder Gulch had more to do with national politics than with dealing with criminals. He contends that Sidney Edgerton and Wilbur Sanders were pawns of Abraham Lincoln and other unionists who sought ways to rid Montana gold fields of southerners and confederate sympathizers. His views have been rebutted by novelist Carol Buchanan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://clevelandcivilwarroundtable.com/articles/society/montana_vigilantes.htm |title=The Vigilantes of Montana |author=John C. Fazio |publisher=The Cleveland Civil War Roundtable |date=2005 |accessdate=2014-09-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://clevelandcivilwarroundtable.com/articles/society/montana_vigilantes_response.htm |title=The Vigilantes of Montana Revisited |authors=John C. Fazio & Carol Buchanan |publisher=The Cleveland Civil War Roundtable |year=2011 |accessdate=2014-09-09}}</ref>

===Mock trial of Henry Plummer and Plummer's pardon request===
On May 7, 1993, the [[Twin Bridges, Montana]] public schools organized a mock trial of [[Henry Plummer]] at the [[Madison County, Montana|Madison County]] courthouse in Virginia City. The trial received national media attention. Adults and students role played events using the accounts of Dimsdale, X. Biedler and Langford. After a six hour trial, the jury of four men and eight women was in deadlock, 6-6. The student playing the role of Henry Plummer was told he was "free".<ref name=Dillon16/> Based in part on the notoriety of the mock trial, academics sympathetic to the view that Plummer was innocent, petitioned the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole to grant Plummer a pardon. Although supported by a number of prominent historians and scholars, the pardon was denied by the board as Plummer had never actually been convicted of a crime in Montana and therefore the board was without jurisdiction to act.<ref name=Dillon16/>

==Montana Vigilantes in media and literature==
* [[Ernest Haycox|Ernest Haycox's]] 1942 novel ''Alder Gulch'' depicts Bannack Sheriff Henry Plummer as a cold and calculating murderer and thief.
*[[John Dehner]] played Henry Plummer in an episode of the 1950s [[Western (genre)|western]] [[television series]], ''[[Stories of the Century]]'', starring and narrated by [[Jim Davis (actor)|Jim Davis]].
* ''[[Montana Territory (film)|Montana Territory]]'' is a 1952 Western film starring [[Wanda Hendrix]], [[Clayton Moore]], [[Hugh Sanders]] and [[Lon McCallister]]. It is a classic western movie, with bandits, a corrupt sheriff [Plummer] and a hero who falls for a beautiful woman.
* An episode of the TV series [[Overland Trail (TV series)|Overland Trail]], ''The Montana Vigilantes'' aired in April 1960.<ref>{{IMDb episode|id=tt0668219}}</ref>
*In "Two for the Gallows" (April 11, 1961) of [[NBC]]'s ''[[Laramie (TV series)|Laramie]]'', series character Slim Sherman ([[John Smith (actor)|John Smith]]) is hired under false pretenses to take a "Professor Landfield", played by [[Donald Woods (actor)|Donald Woods]], into the [[Badlands]] to seek gold. Landfield, however, is really Morgan Bennett, a member of the former Plummer gang who has escaped from prison.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0624822/|title=''Laramie'': "Two for the Gallows"|publisher=Internet Movie Data Base|accessdate=October 10, 2012}}</ref>
* ''[[The Missouri Breaks]]'' is a 1976 American western action film starring [[Marlon Brando]] and [[Jack Nicholson]] that portrays rustling and retribution in 1880s eastern Montana.
* {{cite book |title=God's Thunderbolt: The Vigilantes of Montana |author=Buchanan, Carol |publisher=BookSurge Publishing |location=Charleston, SC |isbn=1419697099 |year=2008 }}—An historical fiction novel set in Alder Gulch, Montana 1863<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.selfpublishingreview.com/2009/03/gods-thunderbolt-the-vigilantes-of-montana-by-carol-buchanan/ |title=Book Review: God’s Thunderbolt: The Vigilantes of Montana by Carol Buchanan |publisher=Selfpublishingreview.com |date=March 12, 2009 |author=Radic, Randall |accessdate=2014-09-09}}</ref>
* {{cite book |title=Twelve Quiet Men: The Story of the Cowboy Vigilantes Known as Stuart's Stranglers at War with the Outlaws of Montana and Dakota in 1884 |author=Little, Michael Edward |publisher= Inkwater Press |year=2010 |isbn=1592995489}}—an historical fiction novel.
* Scottish folk act, The David Latto Band, wrote a song about the story of Henry Plummer called 'Plummer's Song' released on their 2012 eponymous debut album.<ref>{{cite web|title=Plummer's Song, The David Latto Band|url=http://www.discogs.com/David-Latto-Band-The-David-Latto-Band/release/4239166}}</ref> The song was written from the viewpoint of a member of the Bannack community who had reservation about Plummer's alleged crimes.

== Notes ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite book |last=Dimsdale |first=Thomas J. |title=The Vigilantes of Montana-or Popular Justice in the Rocky Mountains |publisher=State Publishing |location=Helena, MT |year=1915 }} (1st published in 1866)
* {{cite book |last=Langford |first=Nathaniel Pitt |authorlink=Nathaniel P. Langford |title=Vigilante Days and Ways-The Pioneers of the Rockies |publisher=D. D. Merrill |location=New York |year=1893 |url=http://www.archive.org/download/vigilantedaysway00lang/vigilantedaysway00lang.pdf}}
* {{cite book |author=Beidler, John Xavier |title=X. Beidler Vigilante |editors=Helen F. Sanders; William H. Bertsche Jr. |location=Norman, Oklahoma |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |year=1957}}
* {{cite book |last=Callaway |first=Lew L. |title=Montana's Righteous Hangmen-The Vigilantes in Action |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |location=Norman, OK |year=1997 |isbn=978-0-8061-2912-9 }}
* {{cite book |last=Allen |first=Frederick |title=Decent, Orderly Lynching: The Montana Vigilantes |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |location=Norman, OK |year=2005 |isbn=0-8061-3651-0 }}
* {{cite book |author=Donovan, Tom D. |title=Hanging Around the Big Sky: The Unofficial Guide to Lynching, Strangling and Legal Hangings of Montana |publisher=Portage Meadows Publishing |year=2007 |isbn=097697181X}}
* {{cite book |last=Milner |first=Clyde A. II |author2=O'Conner, Carol A. |title=As Big As The West-The Pioneer Life of Granville Stuart |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=New York |year=2008 |isbn=9780195127096 |chapter=Stranglers |pages=219–248 }} Comprehensive account of "Stuart's Stranglers" (1884)
* {{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197}}

[[Category:History of Montana]]
[[Category:1860s in Montana]]
[[Category:1880s in Montana]]
[[Category:Vigilantes]]
[[Category:Idaho Territory]]
[[Category:Montana Territory]]

Montana Vigilantes

2014-09-12T15:30:07Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Stuart's Stranglers */ wording tweek

[[File:Vigilante Lynching Helena 1870.JPG|thumb|1870 vigilante execution of Arthur Compton and Joseph Wilson in Helena, Montana]]
[[Vigilante]] justice in [[Montana]] began in 1863 in what was then a remote part of the eastern [[Idaho Territory]]. Territorial law enforcement and courts had very little power in the remote [[mining camp]]s of what would eventually become southwestern [[Montana Territory]]. In 1863-1864 '''Montana Vigilantes''' followed the model of the [[San Francisco Committee of Vigilance]] in 1850s [[California]] to bring order to lawless communities in and around the gold fields of [[Alder Gulch]] and Grasshopper Creek. Vigilante justice moved to the mining communities in and around Last Chance Gulch ([[Helena, Montana]]) in 1865-1870 as lawlessness increased there. In 1884, ranchers in Central and Eastern Montana resorted to vigilante justice to deal with cattle rustlers and horse thieves. The Montana Vigilantes have been celebrated and condemned throughout history. Some believe that they hanged innocent people to further personal interests while others believe that they were normal citizens standing up to an entirely unchecked criminal element of their society.

== Bannack and Virginia City ==
Gold was discovered along Grasshopper Creek, a tributary of the [[Beaverhead River]] on July 28, 1862. This led to the establishment of [[Bannack, Montana]].<ref>{{cite web | last = Briggeman | first = Kim | title = 1st gold strike in territory that became Montana was 150 years ago | work = [[Missoulian]] | accessdate = 2013-12-28 | date = 2012-07-28 | url = http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/st-gold-strike-in-territory-that-became-montana-was-years/article_8789efd4-d927-11e1-a4d1-0019bb2963f4.html }}</ref> On May 26, 1863, gold was discovered along Alder Gulch, a tributary creek northeast of the [[Ruby River]] that lies between the [[Tobacco Root Mountains]] and the [[Gravelly Range]]. This became one of the largest [[placer mining]] gold fields in the west.<ref>{{cite book |last=Smith |first=Jeffrey J. |title=Montana Book of Days |publisher=Historic Montana Publishing |location=Missoula, MT |year=2003 |page=149 |isbn=0966335562}}</ref> The mining settlements of [[Virginia City, Montana|Virginia City]] and [[Nevada City, Montana]] which sprang up in Alder Gulch (a remote part of the [[Idaho Territory]] at the time) boasted thousands of prospectors and fortune seekers by the end of 1863. In the fall of 1863, whatever [[justice system]]s were in place in the populated portions of the territory, such as [[Lewiston, Idaho]], the territorial capital, had not yet reached Alder Gulch.<ref>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=The First Factor Leading to Vigilantism in the Region-The Absence of Police, Prosecutorial and Judicial Authority |pages=21–43}}</ref> In 1863, gold was the preferred form of currency in western frontier communities and had a value, fixed and guaranteed by the U.S. Government, of $20.67 per ounce. Almost all economic transactions in western mining communities were accomplished with gold nuggets, flakes or dust as currency. In 1863, wealth in western mining communities was measured in the amount of gold you had.<ref>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=The Second Factor Leading to Vigilantism in the Region-The Value of Gold and Silver |pages=44–56}}</ref> Unlike today, there was no secure way to transport wealth out of the region. The only means of transporting wealth out the the Alder Gulch gold fields was via horseback or slow moving wagons and [[stagecoach]]es on a limited number of trails and primitive roads leading south and west to Salt Lake City and San Francisco or east to Minnesota.<ref name=Dillon3>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=The Third Factor Leading to Vigilantism in the Region-The Insecure Means of Transporting Wealth |pages=57–88}}</ref> Roads and trails leading to Alder Gulch included the [[Bozeman Trail|Bozeman]] and [[Bridger Trail]]s connecting to the [[Oregon Trail]] from the east, the [[Mullan Road]] from points west and from [[Fort Benton, Montana]] the head of navigation on the [[Missouri River]], the Corinne Road from [[Corinne, Utah]] and points south. Additionally, there was a single track, {{convert|70|mi|km|adj=on}} stage road that connected Alder Gulch with Bannack. Several commercial freight and two passenger stage companies—Peabody and Caldwell's and A.J. Oliver's—operated on this route. Stagecoaches had to stop at several different ranches during the trip to water and change horses, feed passengers and provide overnight lodging. One of these ranches, the Rattlesnake Ranch, was owned by Bill Bunton and Frank Parish, who were later hanged by the vigilantes as road agents and members of the Plummer gang.<ref name=Dillon3/>

=== Road agents and the Plummer gang ===
[[File:Plummer Gang Robbing Stage (1863).JPG|thumb|Painting by John W. Norton of Henry Plummer's gang holding up and robbing a stagecoach (1863)<ref>from {{cite book |author=Hough, Emerson |title=The Story of Outlaws |year=1907 |publisher=The Outing Publishing Company |location=New York |page=frontpiece}}</ref>]]
In an region where valuable gold was plentiful, transportation was insecure and effective law and order was lacking, travelers became easy prey for robbers. By late 1863, [[theft]]s and [[murder]]s along the routes in and around Alder Gulch had become commonplace. Thomas Dimsdale and Nathaniel P. Langford in writing about the vigilantes, estimated that at least 102 travelers were killed by robbers in the fall of 1863 in and around Alder Gulch. Many more travelers left the region and were never heard from again.<ref name=Dillon3/> As this became a more frequent occurrence locals began suspecting that these crimes were being carried out by a single group of [[outlaw]]s, known as "[[Highwayman|road agents]]", under the control of Bannack sheriff [[Henry Plummer]]. The gang became known as the [[Innocents (gang)|Innocents]] because of their password ''I am innocent''.<ref name="Dimsdale">{{cite book |author=Dimsdale, Thomas J. |title=The Vigilantes of Montana; or, Popular justice in the Rocky mountains; being a correct and impartial narrative of the chase, trial, capture, and execution of Henry Plummer's road agent band, together with accounts of the lives and crimes of many of the robbers and desperadoes, the whole being interspersed with sketches of life in the mining camps of the 'Far west.' |publisher= A. J. Noyes |edition=Third |year=1915 |url=https://archive.org/details/vigilantesofmont01dims |pages=21–23|chapter=The Road Agents}}</ref> Later in Montana history "road agent" became a catch all term for outlaws who ambushed innocent people on the roads.

====Notorious robberies, attempted robberies and murders in 1863====
* On October 13, 1863, Lloyd Magruder was killed by road agent Chris Lowrie. Magruder was an Idaho merchant leaving Virginia City with $12,000 in gold dust from goods he had sold there. Several of the men he hired to accompany him back to Lewiston, Idaho were in fact criminals. Four other men in the party were also murdered in camp—Charlie Allen, Robert Chalmers, Horace Chalmers and William Phillips—by Lowrie, Doc Howard, Jem Romaine and William Page.<ref name=Dillon3/>
* On October 26, 1863, the Peabody and Caldwell's stage was robbed between the Rattlesnake Ranch and Bannack by two road agents believed to be Frank Parish and George Ives. Bill Bunton, the owner of the Rattlesnake Ranch who joined the stage at the ranch was also complicit in the robbery. The road agents netted $2,800 in gold from the passengers and threatened them all with death if they talked about the robbery.<ref name=Dillon3/>
* On November 13, 1863, a teenage Henry Tilden was in the employ of [[Wilbur F. Sanders|Wilbur Sanders]] and [[Sidney Edgerton]] to locate and corral some horses owned by Sanders and Edgerton. Near Horse Prairie, Tilden was confronted by three armed road agents. He was carrying very little money and was allowed to depart unmolested, but with the warning that if he talked, he would be killed. He did not heed the warning and told Sanders wife, Hattie and Sidney Edgerton that he had recognized one of the road agents as sheriff Henry Plummer. Although Tilden's report was discounted because Plummer was respected, this incident led to increased suspicion in the region that Plummer was the leader of a gang of road agents.<ref name=Dillon3/>
* On November 22, 1863, the A.J. Oliver stage was robbed on its way to Bannack from Virginia City by road agents George Ives, "Whiskey Bill" Graves and Bob Zachary. The robbery netted less than $1000 in gold and treasury notes. One of the victims, Leroy Southmayd made the mistake of reporting the robbery and identifying the road agents to Bannack Sheriff, [[Henry Plummer]]. Members of Plummer's gang confronted Southmayd on his return trip to Virginia City, but Southmayd was cunning enough to avoid injury or death.<ref name=Dillon3/>
* In November 1863, [[Conrad Kohrs]] traveled to Bannack from [[Deer Lodge, Montana]] with $5000 in gold dust to buy cattle. A conversation with Sheriff Plummer in Bannack led Kohrs to believe he might be robbed while on the trail back to Deer Lodge. While in an overnight camp his associates located road agents George Ives and "Dutch John" Wagner surveying the camp, armed with shotguns. A day or two later, Kohrs was on horseback returning to Deer Lodge when Ives and Wagner gave chase. Kohr's horse proved the faster and Kohr's evaded confrontation before reaching the safety of Deer Lodge.<ref name=Dillon3/>
* In early December 1863, a three wagon freight outfit organized by Milton S. Moody was going to Salt Lake City from Virginia City. Among the seven passengers was [[John Bozeman]]. It was carrying $80,000 in gold dust and $1500 in treasury notes. While camped on [[Blacktail Deer Creek]], road agents "Dutch John" Wagner and Steve Marshland entered the camp, armed and ready to rob the train. Members of the camp had armed themselves well and Wagner and Marshland were able to escape claiming they were just looking lost horses. Two days later, Wagner and Marshland were both wounded in an unsuccessful attempt to rob the train as it crossed the [[Continental Divide of the Americas|Continental Divide]] at [[Red Rock River (Montana)|Rock Creek]].<ref name=Dillon3/>
* On December 8, 1863, Anton Holter who was taking oxen to sell in Virginia City survived an attempted robbery and murder. When road agents George Ives and Aleck Carter, whom Holter recognized, discovered Holter was not carrying any significant wealth, they tried to shoot him. He was able to avoid being shot and escaped into the brush.<ref name=Dillon3/>

=== The failure of miners' courts===
Prior to the creation of the [[Montana Territory]] on May 26, 1864,<ref>^ "An Act to provide a temporary Government for the Territory of Montana" (PDF). Thirty-sixth United States Congress. 1864-05-26. Archived from the original on 2007-01-12. Retrieved 2007-01-20.</ref> and the arrival of the territorial courts, the only court system available for the residents of [[Bannack]] and [[Virginia City]] were the informal [[miners' court]]s. The miners' courts were a vehicle of the organized mining districts<ref>{{cite report |author=Tingley, Joseph P. |title=Mining Districts of Nevada |publisher=Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology |year=1998 |pages=3-4 |url=http://www.nbmg.unr.edu/dox/r47/r47.pdf |format=pdf |accessdate=2014-09-06}}</ref> to resolve mining claims and disputes between miners in the district. When confronted with a major crime such as murder, they usually proved ineffective at resolving the crime to the satisfaction of the community.<ref>{{cite journal |authors=Anderson, Terry L.; Hill, P.J. |title=An American Experiment in Anarcho-Capitalism: The Not So Wild, Wild West |journal=The Journal of Libertarian Studies |url=http://mises.org/journals/jls/3_1/3_1_2.pdf |format=pdf |accessdate=2014-09-06 |year=1978}}</ref>

While there are not many of accounts of early courts in Alder Gulch, probably due to their informality and short existence, John X. Beidler recalled a murder trial in the Virginia City miners' court in his memoirs. The trial recalled by Beidler occurred in the fall of 1863. It concerned the matter of the murder of J.W. Dillingham. The trial was held outside, due to the fact that every resident took part.

In the end all three [[defendant]]s were set free. The first, Charley Forbes, was freed after he gave an eloquent and sentimental speech about his mother. The other two, Buck Stinson and Haze Lyons, were convicted and set to be the first men executed in what would become the state of Montana. However, at what would be a very public [[hanging]] friends and sympathizers of Stinson and Lyons convinced the crowd to vote again on the execution. Two attempts at counting the vote were made according to Beidler. The first people voting 'hang' were to walk up-hill while those voting 'no hang' were to walk down-hill. This vote was rejected and the next attempt had four men form two gates and people would cast their vote by walking through the 'hang' gate or the 'no hang' gate. Biedler claims that friends of the condemned men simply walked through the 'no hang' gate multiple times casting multiple fraudulent votes that possibly allowed two murderers to walk free.<ref>{{cite book |author=Beidler, John Xavier |title=X. Beidler Vigilante |editors=Helen F. Sanders; William H. Bertsche Jr. |location=Norman, Oklahoma |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |year=1957}}</ref>

On December 19–21, 1863, a public trial was held for George Ives, the suspected murderer of a young Dutch immigrant Nicholas Tiebolt. Hundreds of miners from around the area attended the 3-day, outdoor trial. George Ives was prosecuted by [[Wilbur F. Sanders]], convicted and hanged on December 21, 1863.<ref>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=The Murder of Nicolas Tiebolt and the Trial and Execution of George Ives |pages=89–118}}</ref> Sanders played a prominent role in Montana history and eventually became the first U.S. Senator from Montana when the territory gained statehood in 1889. While the Ives trial resulted in an execution many residents were frustrated by a cumbersome process that could easily be manipulated. This sentiment is illustrated by a quote from Thomas Dimsdale who wrote the first published account of the Montana Vigilantes, originally written in 1865 as a series of articles for the ''Montana Post'' and later compiled into a book.

{{quotation|Another powerful incentive to wrong-doing is the absolute nulity of the [[Civil law (legal system)|civil law]] in such cases. No matter what may be the proof, if the criminal is well liked in the community 'Not Guilty' is almost certain to be the verdict, despite the efforts of the judge and prosecutor.|Vigilantes of Montana, Thomas Dimsdale, 1865<ref name="Dimsdale14">{{cite book |author=Dimsdale, Thomas J. |title=The Vigilantes of Montana; or, Popular justice in the Rocky mountains; being a correct and impartial narrative of the chase, trial, capture, and execution of Henry Plummer's road agent band, together with accounts of the lives and crimes of many of the robbers and desperadoes, the whole being interspersed with sketches of life in the mining camps of the 'Far west.' |publisher= A. J. Noyes |edition=Third |year=1915 |url=https://archive.org/details/vigilantesofmont01dims |page=14}}</ref>}}

=== Formation of the Vigilance Committee ===
On December 23, 1863, two days after the Ives trial, a group of five Virginia City residents, led by Wilbur F. Sanders, and including Major Alvin W. Brockie, John Nye, Captain Nick D. Wall and Paris Pfouts organized the Vigilance Committee of Alder Gulch.<ref name=DillonCommittee>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=Formation of the Vigilance Committee |pages=119–134}}</ref> The original committee oath signed by its earliest members was:
{{quotation|We the undersigned uniting ourselves in a party for the laudable purpos [sic] of arresting thievs [sic] & murderers & recovering stollen [sic] property do pledge ourselves upon our sacred honor each to all others & solemnly swear that we will reveal no secrets, violate no laws of right & never desert each other or our standard of justice so help us God as witness our hand and seal this 23 of December ad 1863|From original signed oath document held by Montana Historical Society<ref name=DillonCommittee/>}}

Paris Pfouts was elected as the president of the committee which drafted and adopted a comprehensive set of by-laws establishing a formal structure and process. The by-laws established the position of president, an executive officer, an executive committee, a secretary, treasurer and positions of captains and lieutenants of companies.<ref name=DillonCommittee/> The most relevant process contained the by-laws was:
{{quotation|It shall be the duty of members to attach themselves to some company and whenever any criminal act shall come to their knowledge to inform his Captain or Lieutenant of the same, when the officers so informed shall call together the members of his Company, (unless the Company has chosen a committee for such purpose) when they shall proceed to investigate the case, and elicit the facts and should the said company conclude that the person charged with any offense should be punished by the committee, the Captain or Lieutenant will first take steps to arrest the Criminal and then report same with proof to the Chief who will thereupon call a meeting of the Executive Committee and the judgement of such Executive Committee shall be final. The only punishment that shall be inflicted by this Committee is death.|By-laws of Vigilance Committee of Alder Gulch (1863)<ref name=DillonB>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=Appendix B Bylaws of the Vigilance Committee |pages=404–405}}</ref>}}

===Prominent members===
Although the vigilance committee started as a small secret institution in Virginia City, knowledge of it soon spread in the territory and membership grew. As a secret organization, exact accounts of membership vary, but many members became prominent in the history of the territory and state. Among those who were members include Wilbur Sanders (1st U.S. Senator from Montana (1890)), [[Nelson Story]] (famous for his 1866 cattle drive from Texas to Bozeman and prominent Bozeman merchant), [[John Bozeman]] (founder of Bozeman, Montana (1864) and the Bozeman Trail), [[Nathaniel P. Langford|Nathaniel Langford]] (first [[Yellowstone National Park]] superintendent (1872)), James Stuart (brother of [[Granville Stuart]] "Mr. Montana", who would form the Stuarts' Stranglers in 1884), Tom Cover (one of the Alder Gulch prospectors who discovered the first gold there and alleged murderer of John Bozeman (1867)) and Thomas Dimsdale (editor of Montana's first newspaper, the ''Montana Post'' and author of ''The Vigilantes of Montana'' (1866)).<ref name=DillonCommittee/>

Due to the secret nature of the organization it is difficult to be sure when an execution was carried out by the vigilance committee or another group of motivated citizens. In the months following the Ives trial many suspected road agents were hanged. Notably, [[Henry Plummer]], the sheriff of Bannack, was suspected by many of being the ringleader of the road agents and subsequently hanged. The Montana Vigilantes hanged men using the testimony of other men who faced their imminent executions as the sole evidence. Of the few accounts of the early actions of the Montana Vigilantes, Beidler and Dimsdale are the most complete. Though they give little information about the secret trial of the vigilantes. Estimates vary, but it is believed that between the years 1863 and 1865 somewhere from 15 to 35 people were killed due to the actions of the vigilantes.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Allen, Frederick. |title=Montana Vigilantes and the Origins of 3-7-77 |journal=Montana: The Magazine of Western History |volume=51 |number=1 |date=Spring 2001 |pages=2–19}}</ref>

===Vigilante justice===
Over of course of approximately six weeks between December 1863 and February 1864, vigilante companies located, arrested and executed suspected members of the Plummer road agent gang in Bannack, Virginia City and Hellgate, Montana.

====Bannack====
Shortly after its formation, the Vigilance Committee dispatched a posse of men to search for Aleck Carter, "Whiskey Bill" Graves and Bill Bunton, known associates of George Ives. The posse was led by vigilante Captain James Williams, the man who had investigated the Nicolas Tiebolt murder by George Ives. Near the Rattlesnake Ranch on the [[Ruby River]], the posse located "Erastus Red" Yeager and George Brown, both suspected road agents. While traveling back to Virginia City, Yeager made a complete confession, naming the majority of the road agents in Plummer's gang, including Henry Plummer. After obtaining the confession, Yeager and Brown were found guilty by the posse and summarily hanged from a cottonwood tree on the Lorrain's Ranch on the Ruby River.<ref name=Dillon8>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=The Hanging Spree Begins |pages=135–155}}</ref> On January 6, 1863, "Dutch John" Wagner, a road agent wounded in the Moody robbery was captured by vigilante Captain Nick Wall and Ben Peabody on the Salt Lake City trail. The vigilantes transported Wagner to Bannack where he was hanged on January 11, 1864. By this time, Yeager's confession had mobilized vigilantes against Plummer and his key associates, deputies Buck Stinson and Ned Ray. Plummer, Stinson and Ray were arrested on the morning of January 10, 1864 and summarily hanged. On January 11, 1863, "Greaser Joe" Pizanthia, a road agent on Yeager's list, was located in his cabin just outside Bannack. A gunfight ensured that took the life of one vigilante, George Copley. Pizanthia's cabin was bombarded with three shells from a [[Mountain gun|mountain howitzer]] belonging to Sidney Edgerston. The bombardment severely wounded Pizanthia and he was shot and killed as he was removed from the wreckage of the cabin.<ref name=Dillon8/>

====Virginia City====
After Wagner's execution on January 11, 1864, the vigilantes, mostly men from Virginia City returned there to deal with the remaining road agents in the Plummer gang. On the evening of January 13, 1863, the Vigilance Committee voted to arrest and hang six road agents believed to be living in Virginia City—Frank Parish, Boone Helm, Hayes Lyons, Jack Gallagher, George "Clubfoot" Lane and Bill Hunter.<ref name=Dillon9>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=The Bloody Drama Moves From Bannack to Virginia City |pages=156–177}}</ref> On the morning of January 14, 1864, five of the six road agents were located in town and arrested. They were all summarily hanged from a beam in a building under construction on Wallace Street. Bill Hunter escaped capture in Virginia City, but was later arrested at a cabin on the [[Gallatin River]] and was hanged from a Cottonwood tree on February 3, 1864.

After the January 14, 1864, hangings, the vigilante companies left Virginia City in search of the remaining road agents on Yeager's list. The first to be located was Steve Marshland holed up in a cabin on the [[Big Hole River]]. He was hanged on January 16, 1864. A posse led by Captain Williams found Bill Bunton at his Cottonwood Ranch on the Ruby River and hanged him on January 18, 1864.<ref name=Dillon9/>

====Hell Gate====
After the Bunton execution, the vigilante companies regrouped and made a {{convert|90|mi|km|adj=on}} ride to [[Hell Gate, Montana]] where they believed more road agents were hiding. In Hell Gate, Captain William's vigilante company located and arrested Cyrus Skinner, Aleck Carter, and John Cooper. A vigilante trial of Skinner and Carter was held in the [[Francis Lyman Worden|Worden]] and [[Christopher P. Higgins|Higgins]] dry goods store on January 24, 1864. Both men were found guilty and hanged outside the store. The Cooper trial occurred later in the day, but he too was convicted and hanged.<ref name=Dillon9/> On January 25, 1864, the vigilantes located Bob Zachary in a cabin outside of Hell Gate and George Shears in another cabin in the [[Bitterroot Valley]]. Zachary was brought to Hell Gate and hanged. Shears was hanged outside the cabin he was captured in. As the vigilante companies were leaving Hell Gate to return to Virginia City, they received word that "Whiskey Bill" Graves was at [[Stevensville, Montana|Fort Owen, Montana]]. Three vigilantes located and arrested him on January 26, 1864. He was hanged the same day.

===Known road agents executed by the Vigilance Committee of Alder Gulch===
* Henry Plummer, sheriff of Bannack, executed in Bannack on January 10, 1864
* Erastus "Red" Yeager, road agent and messenger, executed along the Ruby River, January 4, 1864
* George Brown, road agent and gang secretary, executed along the Ruby River, January 4, 1864
* "Dutch John" Wagner, road agent, executed in Bannack, January 11, 1864
* Ned Ray, executed in Bannack, January 10, 1864
* Buck Stinson, executed in Bannack, January 10, 1864
* "Greaser Joe" Pizanthia, road agent, shot and killed in Bannack, January 11, 1864
* Frank Parish, road agent, executed in Virginia City, January 14, 1864
* Boone Helm, road agent, executed in Virginia City, January 14, 1864
* Jack Gallagher, road agent, executed in Virginia City, January 14, 1864
* George "Clubfoot" Lane, road agent, executed in Virginia City, January 14, 1864
* Hayes Lyon, road agent, executed in Virginia City, January 14, 1864
* Steve Marshland, road agent, executed near the Big Hole River, January 16, 1864
* Bill Bunton, road agent, executed at Cottonwood Ranch on the Ruby River, January 18, 1864
* Cyrus Skinner, road agent, executed in Hell Gate, January 24, 1864
* Aleck Carter, road agent, executed in Hell Gate, January 24, 1864
* Johnny Cooper, road agent, executed in Hell Gate, January 24, 1864
* Bob Zachary, road agent, executed in Hell Gate, January 25, 1864
* George Shears, road agent, executed in the Bitterroot Valley, January 25, 1864
* "Whiskey Bill" Graves, road agent, executed near Fort Owen, January 26, 1864
* Bill Hunter, road agent, executed in Gallatin Valley, February 3, 1864

===Other executions===
* An unknown 19 year old boy was hanged on February 17, 1864, in Virginia City for shooting an unarmed man in a tavern.<ref name=Dillon9/>
* Chris Lowrie, Doc Howard, and Jem Romaine were convicted of the Magruder murders by a Idaho Territorial court in Lewiston and hanged on March 4, 1864, based on the testimony of William Page. Page was not executed.<ref name=Dillon3/>
* On March 10, 1864, vigilantes hanged J.A. Slade in Virginia City for serious drunken behavior, breaches of the peace and reckless gun play that endangered the communities' citizens.<ref name=Dillon15>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=Due Process and Procedure: Vigilante Sentences |pages=316–337}}</ref>
* James Brady was hanged by vigilantes in Nevada City on June 15, 1864, for shooting another man.<ref name=Dillon9/>
* Jem Kelly was apprehended near present day [[Jackson, Wyoming|Jackson]], Idaho Territory on the [[Snake River]] by Montana vigilantes for a series of petty thefts in Alder Gulch. He was hanged on September 5, 1864, along the Snake River in Idaho Territory.<ref name=Dillon9/>
* On September 17, 1864, vigilantes hanged John "The Hat" Dolan in Virginia City for stealing $700 from a roommate.<ref name=Dillon9/>
* On October 31, 1864, vigilantes captured and hanged J.C. Rawley in Bannack for his alleged spying on behalf of the road agent gang in 1863. This was the last execution performed by the Vigilance Committee of Alder Gulch.<ref name=Dillon15/>

===Banishments and escapes===
Another tactic employed by the vigilantes was banishment from the territory. It is unknown how many men were given the warning to leave the territory or suffer execution for their misdeeds. Alexander Toponce, a merchant in Bannack at the time believed the number of banishments was high but wrote this in his autobiography: ''Reminiscences of Alexander Toponce (1923)'':
{{quotation|I don't think they [the vigilantes] made any mistake in hanging anybody. The only mistake they made was about fifty percent of those whom they merely banished should have been hung instead, as quite a number of these men were finally hung.|Reminiscences of Alexander Toponce (1923)<ref name=Dillon9/>}}

Some of the road agents in Plummer's gang or on Yeager's list were able to escape vigilante justice by fleeing the territory. Notable among these men were Augustus "Gad" Moore, Billy Terwilliger, William Mitchell, Harvey Meade, "Rattlesnake Dick", "Cherokee Bob", Tex Caldwell, Jeff Perkins, Samuel Bunton, "Irwin of the Big Hole", William Moore and Charles Reeves.<ref name=Dillon9/>

===Establishment of Territorial Law===
During the summer of 1864, [[Hezekiah Lord Hosmer (judge)|Hezekiah L. Hosmer]], a laywer from Ohio, was working for the U.S. House of Representative Committee on Territories. After working on the formation of Montana Territory for the committee, he was formally appointed as the first Chief Judge of Montana Territory. He arrived in Montana in October 1864. Prior to the first session of the Territorial Legislature which convened on December 12, 1864, in Bannack, Hosmer announced that he was adopting [[Common Law]] as the primary criminal and civil law and Idaho's Territorial Law as a basis for criminal and civil procedure. On December 5, 1864, Hosmer boldly convened a public Grand Jury session in Virginia City and announced that the vigilantes had served their purpose and from this day forward, unilateral actions by the vigilantes would be considered criminal acts.<ref name=Dillon10>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=The Establishment of a Territorial Court at Alder Gulch |pages=178–193}}</ref>

== Later vigilante activity in Montana ==

=== Helena 1865-1870 ===
Vigilante justice in Helana followed a pattern similar to that of Alder Gulch. On July 14, 1864, four prospectors—John S. Cowan, John Crab, Bob Staley and Daniel Jackson—found gold in a small creek they named "Last Chance Gulch". As word spread through the territory of the gold strike, prospectors and fortune seekers (many from Alder Gulch and Bannack) migrated to the gold fields of Last Chance Gulch and the city of Helena, Montana was born.<ref name=Dillon11>{{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197 |chapter=Vigilantism Migrates North to Helena, 1865-1870 |pages=194–230}}</ref> By the middle of 1865, many of the prominent vigilantes of Alder Gulch including Wilbur Sanders, John X. Biedler and Anton Holter had moved to Helena. When the territory was formed, three judicial districts were established. The First District belonged to Judge Hosmer and included the towns of Bannack, Virginia City, Nevada City and Deer Lodge. The Third District encompassed the towns around Helena. The Third District did not get its first chief judge until August 1865, when Judge Lyman Munson arrived from the east. From July 1864, until August 1865, the only justice system was the miners' court.

On June 8, 1865, two men who had an unresolved quarrel from their days in Salt Lake City, spotted each other in Sam Greer's saloon on Helena's Bridge Street. John Keene shot Harry Slater in the head, killing him instantly. Keene surrendered himself to Helena sheriff George Wood and freely admitted his guilt in the shooting. A two day trial ensued where some members of the jury were known vigilantes from Alder Gulch and the trial judge, Stephan Reynolds, was merely a respected member of the Helena community. At the end of the trial, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty and Keene was hanged from lone pine tree just outside of town. The large tree, one of few that remained in proximity to Helena because most had been cut down for lumber, became known as the "Old Hangman's Tree".<ref name=Dillon11/> Although Keene's trial and execution is not viewed as vigilantism, the Helena community, similar to the Alder Gulch community in 1863, felt the need to establish a more reliable means of law and order.

====Formation of Helena's Committee of Safety====
Immediately after Keene's hanging, leading members of the Helena community established the Helena Committee of Safety. Although no records of the committee's membership or bylaws exist, Nathaniel Langford who had been asked to lead the organization but declined (he did serve on its Executive Committee), reflected in his book ''Vigilante Days and Ways'', that the Helena vigilantes followed the same pattern as the Vigilance Committee of Alder Gulch. Crimes of horse stealing, murder, and highway robbery would be punishable by death.<ref name=Dillon11/> In July 1865, the Helena vigilantes captured Jack Silvie in [[Diamond City, Montana]] who was charged with various crimes of robbery. Prior to his execution by hanging on Helena's "Hangman's Tree", Silvie confessed to being a member of the Virginia City road agents and to at least a dozen murders in the territory.

Shortly after Judge Lyman Munson's arrival in Helena, he convened a Grand Jury on August 12, 1865. However, unlike Judge Hosmer in Alder Gulch, Munson made no remarks about vigilantism nor did he threaten vigilantes with prosecution if they continued their activities. The vigilantes showed little respect for Munson's court and proceeded to carry out at least 14 executions in the next eight months.<ref name=Dillon11/> No member of Helena's vigilantes was ever indicted by Munson's grand jury for executions carried out by the Helena Committee of Safety. The last execution by the Helena vigilantes occurred on April 27, 1870 when Joseph Wilson and Arthur Compton were hanged from the "Old Hangman's Tree" for the robbery and attempted murder of George Leonard. The double hanging is significant because it was photographed at the time and the image, widely circulated had the effect of seriously dampening public sentiment for vigilantism.<ref name=Dillon11/>

=== Pax Vigilanticus ===
By the 1870s Montana as a whole was experiencing what Montana historian Frederic Allen described as a "sort of pax vigilanticus" Allen claims this was due to the reputation for summary executions and the discovery of gold in the [[Black Hills]] of the [[Dakota Territory]]. This drew many of the prospectors and camp followers out of Montana reducing the sector of the population more closely associated with crime.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Allen, Frederick, |title=Montana Vigilantes and the Origins of 3-7-77 |journal=Montana: The Magazine of Western History |volume=51 |number=1 |date=Spring 2001 |pages=2–19}}</ref>

===Rise of Stockmen's Associations and "Stuart's Stranglers"===
By the 1870s, stock growing was a large and prosperous business in Montana. Cattle and horses were valuable commodities and always subject to [[rustling]] by thieves.<ref name=Clay>{{cite journal |author=Clay, T.A. |title=A Call to Order: Law, Violence, and the Development of Montana's Early Stockmen's Organizations |journal=Montana: The Magazine of Western History |volume=58 |number=3 |date=Autumn 2008 |pages=48–63,95–96 |publisher=Montana Historical Society |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/25485736 |location=Helena, Montana}}</ref> Until 1879, most stock raising was done in the Deer Lodge area and other valleys in Western Montana. In 1879, once the [[American Indian Wars|Indian Wars]] on the plains had concluded, stock ranches and open range cattle moved east into Central and Eastern Montana. The DHS ranch, owned by [[Samuel Hauser]], Andrew Davis and Granville Stuart was established in 1879 in the [[Musselshell River|Musselshell]] region of Central Montana. The DHS became one of the largest open range ranches in Montana.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Reese, William S.|title=Granville Stuart of the DHS Ranch, 1879-1887 |journal=Montana: The Magazine of Western History |volume=31 |number=3 |date=Summer 1981 |pages=14–27 |publisher=Montana Historical Society |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/4518583 |location=Helena, Montana}}</ref>

The first stockmen's association in Montana was formed in Virginia City in 1873 to discuss branding standards, how to deal with rustling and how to influence the territorial legislature to pass laws favorable to the cattle industry. This association did not survive, but led to the creation of other associations in the years that followed.<ref name=Clay/> In 1878, the Montana Stock Association of Lewis and Clark County was organized. One of its prominent members, Ross Deegan, editorialized at the time alluding to the need for extra legal action if the territorial legislature did not enact laws to protect the cattle industry:
{{quotation|Will [our legislators] give us ... protection, or shall we be compelled against our wishes to become judges and executors of what we deem a proper penalty for the commission of such infringement upon the rights of property?|Ross Deegan, Helena Weekly Herald, January 9, 1879<ref name=Clay/>}}

In July, 1879, a Territorial Stock Association was formed that ultimately spawned a number of small county or district based associations throughout Montana. By 1883, the value of cattle in Montana was estimated at greater than $25 million and annual losses from rustling exceeded three percent.<ref name=Clay/> By the summer of 1884, cattle men began dealing with rustlers as vigilantes. The first recorded hanging occurred at Fort Maginnis on July 3, 1884, when Reese Anderson, a DHS ranch foreman, and several ranch hands hanged Sam McKenzie as a horse thief.<ref>{{cite book |editor=Kennedy, Michael S. |title=Cowboys and Cattlemen: A Roundup from Montana:The Magazine of Western History |chapter=Rustlers, Renegade and Stranglers-Ridding the Range of Renegades |author=Mueller, Oscar O. |page=240 |year=1964 |publisher=Hastings House, Publishers |location=New York }}</ref>

====Stuart's Stranglers====
The hanging of Sam McKenzie and other citizen justice in early July 1884 prompted many thieves and rustlers to leave the territory. However, a large band of horse thieves still operated in the Musselshell region. With the tacit approval of the stockgrower's associations, Granville Stuart organized a small intelligence network and mobilized forces to go after the thieves. The group included many of Stuart's ranch hands and stock detectives employed by various stock associations. Known as "Stuart's Stranglers", the vigilantes were responsible for the recovery of dozens of stolen horses and the deaths of at least 18 thieves in July 1884, by hanging, gunfire or fire.<ref name=Mueller>{{cite book |editor=Kennedy, Michael S. |title=Cowboys and Cattlemen: A Roundup from Montana:The Magazine of Western History |chapter=Rustlers, Renegade and Stranglers-Ridding the Range of Renegades |author=Mueller, Oscar O. |pages=240–252 |year=1964 |publisher=Hastings House, Publishers |location=New York }}</ref> The last hanging occurred on August 1, 1884. From that point forward, stock detectives, employed by the various stock association took responsibility for enforcing stock laws and deterring rustling. Although there was minor public outrage about the killings, none of Stuart's Stranglers were ever brought to trial for their actions. General acclamation of Granville Stuart's actions was reflected by his election as the first president of the Montana Stockgrower's Association in late July 1884.<ref name=Mueller/>

==Montana Vigilantes in media and literature==
* [[Ernest Haycox|Ernest Haycox's]] 1942 novel ''Alder Gulch'' depicts Bannack Sheriff Henry Plummer as a cold and calculating murderer and thief.
*[[John Dehner]] played Henry Plummer in an episode of the 1950s [[Western (genre)|western]] [[television series]], ''[[Stories of the Century]]'', starring and narrated by [[Jim Davis (actor)|Jim Davis]].
* An episode of the TV series [[Overland Trail (TV series)|Overland Trail]], ''The Montana Vigilantes'' aired in April 1960.<ref>{{IMDb episode|id=tt0668219}}</ref>
*In "Two for the Gallows" (April 11, 1961) of [[NBC]]'s ''[[Laramie (TV series)|Laramie]]'', series character Slim Sherman ([[John Smith (actor)|John Smith]]) is hired under false pretenses to take a "Professor Landfield", played by [[Donald Woods (actor)|Donald Woods]], into the [[Badlands]] to seek gold. Landfield, however, is really Morgan Bennett, a member of the former Plummer gang who has escaped from prison.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0624822/|title=''Laramie'': "Two for the Gallows"|publisher=Internet Movie Data Base|accessdate=October 10, 2012}}</ref>
* {{cite book |title=God's Thunderbolt: The Vigilantes of Montana |author=Buchanan, Carol |publisher=BookSurge Publishing |location=Charleston, SC |isbn=1419697099 |year=2008 }}—An historical fiction novel set in Alder Gulch, Montana 1863<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.selfpublishingreview.com/2009/03/gods-thunderbolt-the-vigilantes-of-montana-by-carol-buchanan/ |title=Book Review: God’s Thunderbolt: The Vigilantes of Montana by Carol Buchanan |publisher=Selfpublishingreview.com |date=March 12, 2009 |author=Radic, Randall |accessdate=2014-09-09}}</ref>
* Scottish folk act, The David Latto Band, wrote a song about the story of Henry Plummer called 'Plummer's Song' released on their 2012 eponymous debut album.<ref>{{cite web|title=Plummer's Song, The David Latto Band|url=http://www.discogs.com/David-Latto-Band-The-David-Latto-Band/release/4239166}}</ref> The song was written from the viewpoint of a member of the Bannack community who had reservation about Plummer's alleged crimes.

==Alternative views on Montana Vigilantes==
* {{cite book |first=R. E. |last=Mather |author2=Boswell, D.E. |title=Hanging the Sheriff-A Biography of Henry Plummer |location=Salt Lake City, Utah |publisher=University of Utah Press |year=1987 |isbn=0-9663355-0-3}}
{{quotation|In Hanging the Sheriff, R. E. Mather and F. E. Boswell have radically redrawn the portrait of Sheriff Henry Plummer and effectively challenged the conventional justification of the Montana vigilantes of 1863-64. The authors reject the vigilante defenders assertion that Plummer's reign of terror necessitated the formation of a vigilance committee to bring law and order to the area. First, law had been established at Bannack through the miners' court, Plummer's election, and the arrival of Judge Edgerton in September 1863. Second, Plummer's alleged leadership of the road agents was based on an unsubstantiated and unexamined accusation.|Review, Frank Grant, Western Historical Quarterly, 1988<ref>{{cite journal |journal=The Western Historical Quarterly |volume=19 |number=3 |date=August 1988 |page=346 |publisher=Western Historical Quarterly, Utah State University on behalf of The Western History Association |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/968265 |title=Hanging the Sheriff: A Biography of Henry Plummer by R. E. Mather; F. E. Boswell Review by: Frank R. Grant |author=Grant, Frank R.}}</ref>}}
* {{cite book|authors=Mather, R. E.,F. E. Boswell |title=Vigilante Victims: Montana’s 1864 Hanging Spree |publisher=History West Publishing |location=San Jose, CA |year=1991}}
{{quotation|This is a "revisionist" history of the Vigilante movement that claims the road agents were victims of a plot perpetrated in a struggle for power between two factions, one favoring the North and the other favoring the South. It overlooks the cooperation between Pfouts, a strong Confederate, and Sanders, a Union abolitionist, in the leadership of the Vigilantes, and that Jack Gallagher was a Union sympathizer, while Boone Helm died shouting, “Hoorah for Jeff Davis!|Carol Buchanan, Swan Range, the writings of Carol Buchanan (2012)<ref>{{cite web |author=Buchanan, Carol |url=http://www.swanrange.com/vigilante/annotatedReadingList.pdf |title=Annotated Bibliography |publisher=swanrange.com |accessdate=2014-09-09 |date=July 27, 2012}}</ref>}}
* John C. Fazio, who writes for the Cleveland Civil War Roundtable, contends that Vigilance Committee of Alder Gulch had more to do with national politics than with dealing with criminals. He contends that Sidney Edgerton and Wilbur Sanders were pawns of Abraham Lincoln and other unionists who sought ways to rid Montana gold fields of southerners and confederate sympathizers. His views have been rebutted by novelist Carol Buchanan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://clevelandcivilwarroundtable.com/articles/society/montana_vigilantes.htm |title=The Vigilantes of Montana |author=John C. Fazio |publisher=The Cleveland Civil War Roundtable |date=2005 |accessdate=2014-09-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://clevelandcivilwarroundtable.com/articles/society/montana_vigilantes_response.htm |title=The Vigilantes of Montana Revisited |authors=John C. Fazio & Carol Buchanan |publisher=The Cleveland Civil War Roundtable |year=2011 |accessdate=2014-09-09}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite book |last=Dimsdale |first=Thomas J. |title=The Vigilantes of Montana-or Popular Justice in the Rocky Mountains |publisher=State Publishing |location=Helena, MT |year=1915 }} (1st published in 1866)
* {{cite book |last=Langford |first=Nathaniel Pitt |authorlink=Nathaniel P. Langford |title=Vigilante Days and Ways-The Pioneers of the Rockies |publisher=D. D. Merrill |location=New York |year=1893 |url=http://www.archive.org/download/vigilantedaysway00lang/vigilantedaysway00lang.pdf}}
* {{cite book |author=Beidler, John Xavier |title=X. Beidler Vigilante |editors=Helen F. Sanders; William H. Bertsche Jr. |location=Norman, Oklahoma |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |year=1957}}
* {{cite book |last=Callaway |first=Lew L. |title=Montana's Righteous Hangmen-The Vigilantes in Action |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |location=Norman, OK |year=1997 |isbn=978-0-8061-2912-9 }}
* {{cite book |last=Allen |first=Frederick |title=Decent, Orderly Lynching: The Montana Vigilantes |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |location=Norman, OK |year=2005 |isbn=0-8061-3651-0 }}
* {{cite book |author=Donovan, Tom D. |title=Hanging Around the Big Sky: The Unofficial Guide to Lynching, Strangling and Legal Hangings of Montana |publisher=Portage Meadows Publishing |year=2007 |isbn=097697181X}}
* {{cite book |last=Milner |first=Clyde A. II |author2=O'Conner, Carol A. |title=As Big As The West-The Pioneer Life of Granville Stuart |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=New York |year=2008 |isbn=9780195127096 |chapter=Stranglers |pages=219–248 }} Comprehensive account of "Stuart's Stranglers" (1884)
* {{cite book |author=Dillon, Mark C. |title=Montana Vigilantes 1863-1870 Gold, Guns and Gallows |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, UT |year=2013 |isbn=9780874219197}}

[[Category:History of Montana]]
[[Category:1860s in Montana]]
[[Category:1880s in Montana]]
[[Category:Vigilantes]]
[[Category:Idaho Territory]]
[[Category:Montana Territory]]

Sergeant Reckless

2013-08-27T20:38:11Z

Intothatdarkness: More lede work

{{Infobox named horse
| horsename = Sergeant Reckless
| image = Sgt reckless in pasture.jpg
| caption = Sergeant Reckless in retirement.
| breed = [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] or [[Thoroughbred]] mixed breed
| sire =
| grandsire =
| dam =
| damsire =
| sex = [[Mare]]
| foaled = {{circa|1948}}
| death_date = May 13, 1968
| country = Korea
| color = [[Chestnut (color)|Chestnut]]
| breeder =
| owner = [[United States Marine Corps]]
| record =
| earnings =
| race =
| awards=
| honors =
| updated = August 16, 2013
}}

'''Sergeant Reckless''' was a [[mare]] of [[Mongolian horse]] breeding purchased by members of the [[United States Marine Corps]] in October 1952 as a [[pack horse]]. She served in numerous combat actions during the [[Korean War]], and was eventually promoted to [[Staff Sergeant#United States|Staff Sergeant]] by the [[Commandant of the Marine Corps]] after the Korean War.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She is an example of an animal that held official rank in a branch of the United States military. Originally a racehorse in [[Seoul]], she was purchased for $250 from a Korean boy who needed money to buy an artificial leg for his sister. She served with the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]], [[1st Marine Division]].{{sfn|Blackman, Jr.|2012|p=4}}

Purchased as a pack animal, Reckless quickly became a unit mascot. She carried supplies and ammunition, and was also used to evacuate wounded. The highlight of her nine-month military career came in late March 1953 during fighting around Vegas Hill when, in a single day, she made 51 solo trips to resupply multiple front line units.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Her wartime service record was featured in ''[[The Saturday Evening Post]]'' and [[Life (magazine)|''LIFE'' magazine]]. She was wounded in combat twice and is also known for eating about $30 worth of poker chips. Having received a [[battlefield promotion]] to Sergeant about a month before the war ended in 1953, she was retired and brought to the United States after the war, where she was officially promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1959. She gave birth to four [[foal]]s in America and died in May 1968. A plaque and photo were dedicated in her honor at the [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]] stables and a statue of her was dedicated on July 26, 2013.

==Origins==
Sergeant Reckless was [[chestnut (coat)|chestnut]] colored with a [[horse markings|blaze and three white stockings]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Her date of birth and parentage are unconfirmed, but she was estimated to be around three or four years old when she was purchased by members of the United States Marine Corps in October 1952. She was sold to the Marines by her owner, a young Korean stableboy called Kim Huk Moon,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=23–108}} though that was not his real name.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} The horse was originally named ''{{lang|ko|Ah Chim Hai}}'' in [[Korean language|Korean]],{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=48}} which translates to "Morning Flame" or "Flame-in-the-Morning",{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} also reputed to be the name of her [[Glossary of equestrian terms#D|dam]], a [[racehorse]] at the track in Seoul. Moon sold the horse, whom he had nicknamed "Flame," to Lieutenant Eric Pedersen for $250 in order to buy a leg [[prosthesis]] for his sister, who had stepped on a [[land mine]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109–113}} The horse's breeding was thought to be primarily [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] though she did have some features, particularly the shape of her head, that were similar to horses of [[Thoroughbred]] lineage. She was small, standing only {{hands|14}} and weighing {{convert|900|lb|kg}}.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=7}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}

==Military service==
[[File:Reckless with Sgt. Latham.jpg|thumb|Reckless with her primary trainer, Platoon Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Latham]]
In October 1952 Pedersen{{efn|Sometimes misspelled as "Pederson"{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Foreword}}}} received permission from [[Colonel]] Eustace P. Smoak to purchase a horse for his platoon.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Based in mountainous terrain, Pederson needed a pack animal capable of carrying up to nine of the heavy 24-pound shells needed to supply the [[recoilless rifle]]s used by his unit, the Recoilless Rifle Platoon of the [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]].{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} The day after he received permission, on October 26, 1952,{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} Pedersen, Sergeant Willard Berry, and Corporal Philip Carter drove a jeep with a trailer to the Seoul racetrack.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=130–132}} Pedersen paid for the horse with his own money.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=124–125}} Moon was reluctant to sell the horse, though he needed to,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109–113}} and cried when "Flame" departed.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=117}} At first the Marines renamed her "Recoilless", after the primary weapon of the platoon.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}} That changed to "Reckless" after the platoon's nickname, "Reckless Rifles."{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

Her primary trainer and the person Reckless was closest to was platoon [[Gunnery Sergeant]] Joseph Latham.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=120}} Private First Class Monroe Coleman was her primary caretaker.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} In addition to Pedersen, Latham, and Coleman, Lieutenant Bill Riley and Sergeant Elmer Lively were also involved with the training and care of Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} Pedersen had his wife ship a [[pack saddle]] from their home in California so Reckless could better fulfill her primary role as a pack animal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=142–143}} The recoilless rifle platoon had its own medical corpsman, Navy Hospitalman First Class George "Doc" Mitchell, who provided the majority of medical care for Reckless.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=120, 161}}

The Marines, especially Latham, taught Reckless battlefield survival skills such as how not to become entangled in [[barbed wire]] and to lie down when under fire.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} She learned to run for a [[bunker]] upon hearing the cry, "incoming!"{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} The platoon called it her "hoof training" and "hoof camp". The horse was initially kept in a pasture near the encampment.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Reckless had a gentle disposition and soon developed such a rapport with the troops that she was allowed to freely roam about the camp and entered tents at will,{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} sometimes sleeping inside with the troops, and even lying down next to Latham's warm tent stove on cold nights.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She was fond of a wide variety of foodstuffs, entertaining the platoon by eating scrambled eggs and drinking [[Coca-Cola]] and beer.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} Food could not be left unattended around her.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She was known to eat bacon, buttered toast, chocolate bars, hard candy, shredded wheat, peanut butter sandwiches and mashed potatoes. However, Mitchell advised the platoon that she not be given more than two bottles of Coke a day.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Her tastes were not confined to foodstuffs; she once ate her [[horse blanket]],{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} and on another occasion ate $30 worth of Latham's winning poker chips.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

[[File:Reckless_under_fire.jpg|thumb|left|Reckless under fire in Korea]]
Reckless's baptism under fire came at a place called Hedy's Crotch, near the villages of Changdan and Kwakchan.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=143–144}} Though loaded down with six recoilless rifle shells, she initially "went straight up" and all four feet left the ground the first time the recoilless rifle was fired. When she landed she started shaking, but Coleman, her handler, calmed her down. The second time the gun fired she merely snorted, and by the end of the mission that day appeared calm and was seen trying to eat a discarded helmet liner.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She even appeared to take an interest in the operation of the weapon.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=143–144}} When learning a new delivery route, Reckless would only need someone to lead her a few times. Afterwards she would make the trips on her own.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=181–183}}

Her most significant accomplishment came during the Battle of Panmunjom-Vegas (also known as the Battle of Outpost Vegas/Vegas Hill) over the period March 26–28, 1953, when she made 51 solo trips in a single day, carrying a total of 386 recoilless rounds (over 9,000 pounds, carrying 4 to 8 24-pound shells on each trip) covering over 35 miles that day. The whole Battle of Vegas lasted 3 days.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172–189}}{{efn|Sometimes erroneously reported as 5 days.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172–189}}}} She was wounded twice during the battle: once when she was hit by shrapnel over the left eye and another time on her left flank.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} There was a standing order not to ride Reckless, but during the Battle of Vegas Hill someone violated that order and took Reckless on a "joy ride" that included a sprint through a [[minefield]]. She was not injured during the unauthorized ride.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=158}} For her accomplishments during the Battle of Vegas Hill, Reckless was promoted to Corporal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=210}}

[[File:Sgt Reckless with recoilless-rifle.jpg|thumb|Reckless beside a 75mm recoilless rifle]]
When not on the front lines, Reckless packed other items for the platoon, and was particularly useful for stringing telephone wire. Carrying reels of wire on her pack that were played out as she walked, she could string as much wire as twelve men on foot.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She became the first horse in the Marine Corps known to have participated in an [[amphibious landing]] when the 5th moved from [[Camp Casey, South Korea|Camp Casey]] to [[Inchon]], planning to participate in amphibious landings hundreds of miles south of Inchon.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} The commanding officer of the transport halted loading operations when he saw the platoon on the dock with Reckless. He refused to take her on board his clean ship,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189–191}} which had won an award for being the cleanest ship in the previous two years.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=191}} However, once the Marines produced the loading plan the ship's commanding officer had approved which specifically listed Reckless and her equipment, she was allowed on board.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189–191}} Once the ship was underway, she became sick, making a mess on the ship's decks during the first part of the voyage. She could not be disembarked due to a storm, but soon became accustomed to the motion of the ship at sea and had no more problems.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} The 1st Marine Division was moved to a rest area soon after the move, and while there some platoon members posed with Reckless and a sign challenging the Thoroughbred [[Native Dancer]] to a race. They called their race the "Paddy Derby" and the field "Upsan Downs." The conditions were: 1.5 miles over paddies and hills, carrying 192 pounds of ammunition, and no riders. The Marines never received a reply. Native Dancer came in second in the [[Kentucky Derby]], but went on to win the [[Preakness Stakes]] and [[Belmont Stakes]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=191–193}}{{sfn|Baltimore Sun|2013}}

[[Randolph M. Pate]], then the commander of the 1st Marine Division, gave Reckless a [[battlefield promotion]] from Corporal to Sergeant in a formal ceremony, complete with reviewing stand, on April 10, 1954, several months after the war ended.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208–210}} She was also given a red and gold blanket with insignia.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 200–202}} Reckless was promoted again, to Staff Sergeant, on August 31, 1959, at Camp Pendleton, CA. This promotion was also awarded by Pate, who had by then advanced to Commandant of the Marine Corps. Pate personally presided over this promotion ceremony and she was honored with a 19-gun salute with a 1,700-man parade of Marines from her wartime unit.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} She was an early example of an animal holding official rank in a branch of the United States military.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}}

==Retirement==
[[File:Reckless Rotation Ceremony.png|thumb||left|Sergeant Reckless at her stateside rotation ceremony, 1954. PFC William Moore is holding her. He accompanied her on the trip to America.]]

For her exemplary service to the Marine Corps, Reckless was awarded two [[Purple Heart]]s (for the wounds received during the Battle of Vegas), a [[Good Conduct Medal (United States)#Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal|Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal]], a [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] with bronze star, the [[National Defense Service Medal]], a [[Korean Service Medal]], the [[United Nations Korea Medal]], a [[Navy Unit Commendation]], and a [[Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She would wear these awards on her horse blanket, plus a [[Fourragere|French Fourragere]] that the 5th Marines earned in [[World War I]].{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}

An article in ''The Saturday Evening Post'', published on April 17, 1954, while Reckless was still in Korea,{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} resulted in a campaign by American supporters to get the Marines to bring her to the United States. An executive at Pacific Transport Lines, Stan Coppel, read the article and offered to let Reckless ride free on one of his company's ships from [[Yokohama]] to [[San Francisco]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Prior to her departure for America, a ceremony, including a band, for Reckless' rotation to the United States was held during half time of a football game between the Marine Corps and Army. Reckless left Korea for Japan aboard a [[1st Marine Aircraft Wing]] transport plane.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208–210}} She then sailed from Yokohama on October 22 aboard the ''SS Pacific Transport'', due in San Francisco on November 5, 1954.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} A typhoon delayed the ship's arrival until the evening of November 9. Reckless and her caretakers stayed aboard until the next morning. Reckless got sick during the storm and was once knocked out of her stall onto the deck by the storm, which happened near the end of the trip.
{{quote box
| quote = "I was surprised at her beauty and intelligence, and believe it or not, her esprit de corps. Like any other Marine, she was enjoying a bottle of beer with her comrades. She was constantly the center of attraction and was fully aware of her importance. If she failed to receive the attention she felt her due, she would deliberately walk into a group of Marines and, in effect, enter the conversation. It was obvious the Marines loved her."
| source = ''—Lieutenant General Randolph McC. Pate''?{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}
| font = 120%
| width = 26em
| align = right
}}
Reckless's entry into the United States was not without its challenges. The [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|Customs Bureau]] was not much of a problem but the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] insisted a medical check and lab tests be completed before she disembarked from the ship once it reached San Francisco, which would make her late for the Marine banquet where she was to be the guest of honor. The Marines contacted Agriculture Department officials in Washington, D.C. who agreed to allow her off the ship after her blood was drawn for lab tests, with the understanding that if she had [[glanders]] or [[covering sickness|dourine]], she would be destroyed or sent back to Japan. Many of the Marines who actually knew her were incensed at what they considered an affront to her honor when they learned that dourine was an equine sexually transmitted disease.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211–217}} The night before she arrived, she once again ate her blanket, but a new one with ribbons and insignia was made just in time for her disembarkment. She was led off the ship by Lieutenant Pedersen and set foot on American soil in San Francisco on November 10, 1954,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Author's Note, 124}} coincidentally the birthday of the  Marine Corps. For the [[Marine Corps birthday ball|Marine Corps Birthday Ball]] held that day, she rode an elevator, and then ate both cake and the flower decorations.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}

Reckless was kept by Pedersen's family for a brief time before moving to a more permanent home with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. A second article about Reckless appeared in ''The Saturday Evening Post'' on October 22, 1955. These two articles and the book ''Reckless: Pride of the Marines'' (1955) were written by the commander of the 2nd Battalion, [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|Lieutenant Colonel]] Andrew Geer, who kept notes about Reckless during the war.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She made several public appearances, including [[Art Linkletter]]'s show ''[[House Party (radio and TV show)|House Party]]'', but had to cancel an appearance on ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]'' due to the typhoon.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} Ed Sullivan had wanted her to appear on his November 7th show and was willing to pay the costs to get her there right after the scheduled, and delayed, November 5th arrival. Reckless never did appear on Sullivan's show.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211–217}}
[[File:Staff Sergeant Reckless.jpg|thumb|Sergeant Reckless at her promotion to Staff Sergeant, 1959]]

Reckless was well cared for and treated as a VIP during her time at Camp Pendleton. The Marine Corps was also careful not to allow her to be exploited by commercial interests.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=223–224}} She produced four [[foal]]s there: [[colt (horse)|colts]] Fearless (1957), Dauntless (1959), and Chesty (1964); her last foal, a filly born circa 1965–1966, died a month after birth and was unnamed.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Her offspring Chesty was named after [[Chesty Puller]], one of the few Marines ever allowed to ride Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Puller was a Marine Corps [[Lieutenant general (United States)|Lieutenant General]] and the most decorated United States Marine of all time.{{sfn|Marine Corps News|2013}} Reckless retired from active service with full military honors at Camp Pendleton on November 10, 1960.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She was provided free board and feed in lieu of retirement pay, per Marine Corps documents.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

Reckless developed arthritis in her back as she aged and injured herself on May 13, 1968, by falling into a [[barbed wire]] fence. She died under sedation while her wounds were being treated.{{sfn|Tuscaloosa News|1968}} At the time of her death, she was estimated to be 19 or 20 years old.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} There is a plaque and photo commemorating her at the Camp Pendleton stables.{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} The first race at Aqueduct racetrack, New York, was designated "The Sgt Reckless" on November 10, 1989.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} In 1997, Reckless was listed by one ''LIFE'' magazine as one of America's 100 all-time heroes.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

A statue by sculptor Jocelyn Russell of Reckless carrying ammunition shells and other combat equipment was unveiled on Friday, July 26, 2013, in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the [[National Museum of the Marine Corps]], one day before the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. There is a lock of her [[tail (horse)|tail hair]] in the base of the statue.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}}

==See also==
*[[Horses in warfare]]

==Notes==
{{notes}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Bartel|2013}}|last=Bartel|first=Bill|title=Marines Honor Equine Comrade From Korean War|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2013/07/marines-honor-equine-comrade-korean-war|date=July 27, 2013|year=2013|newspaper=The Virginian Pilot|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Blackman, Jr.|first=Robert R.|title=President's Notes|journal=Sentinel|publisher=Marine Corps Heritage Foundation|month=Fall-Winter|year=2012|url=http://www.marineheritage.org/2012_Sentinel_online.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Coakley|first=Lesli|title=The four-legged Marine in Korea |journal=Marines|year=1991|month=September|volume=20|issue=9|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105114984?urlappend=%3Bseq=25|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Geer|first=Andrew|title=Reckless, Pride of the Marines|year=1955|publisher=E. P. Dutton|location=New York|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015003928499|year=1955}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Hoffman|first=Nancy Lee White|title=Sgt Reckless: Combat Veteran |journal=[[Leatherneck Magazine]]|year=1992|month=November|volume=75|issue=11|url=http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/sgt-reckless-combat-veteran|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Kilgannon|2012}}|last=Kilgannon|first=Corey|title=Remembering a Beloved Horse and Decorated Marine|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/remembering-a-beloved-horse-and-decorated-marine/?_r=0|date=November 9, 2012|year=2012|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Litalien|first=Dennis|title=Reckless Earns Place in Marine Corps History |journal=Marines|year=1984|volume=13|issue=6|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105112913?urlappend=%3Bseq=30|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Miller|2013}}|last=Miller|first=Joshua Rhett|title=Statue of Korean War Horse Reckless to be Unveiled at Marine museum in Virginia|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/24/statue-korean-war-horse-reckless-to-be-unveiled-at-marine-museum-in-virginia/|publisher=Fox News|date=July 25, 2013|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Equestrian News|2012}}|last=Staff|title=Hoofed Heroine Sgt. Reckless|url=http://theequestriannews.com/2012/11/12/hoofed-heroine-sgt-reckless/|date= November 12, 2012|year=2012|publisher=The Equestrian News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Baltimore Sun|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Native Dancer (1950–1967)|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/preakness-insider-blog/bal-horse-list-0516-native-dancer-19671129,0,3500525.photo|year=2013|publisher=The Baltimore Sun|accessdate=29 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Tuscaloosa News|1968}}|last=Staff|title=Sgt Reckless Dies; Heroic Marine Mare|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19680521&id=WHAfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=M5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6304,4254522|date=May 21, 1968|year=1968|publisher=The Tuscaloosa News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Marine Corps News|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Ultimate Marine (Puller vs Butler)|url=http://marines.dodlive.mil/2013/04/10/ultimate-marine-puller-vs-butler/|date= April 10, 2013|year=2013|publisher=Marine Corps News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite AV media|ref={{sfnRef|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} | date = 8 August 2010| title = Sgt Reckless — Korean War Horse Hero | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 | accessdate = 28 July 2013| time = 0:39–1:29, 2:19–2:45| publisher = sgtreckless.com via Marine Corps archives}}
{{refend}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book|last=Giaffo|first=Lou|title=Gooch's Marines|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mXcTGInloHkC&pg=PA199&lpg=PA199&dq=reckless+huk+moon&source=bl&ots=tJWAXthLx1&sig=-LIFbb-AxuCfaYp0Cf3OJNSSWBA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Fi_0UeiTMeiUjALtjYHABA&ved=0CFoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=reckless%20huk%20moon&f=false|year=2013|publisher=Dorrance Publishing|location=Pittsburgh, PA|pages=199-200|isbn=978-1-4349-3399-7}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Sergeant Reckless}}
{{ external media| align = right| width = | image1 = [http://www.wildlifebronzes.com/jocelyn/RECKLESS/go SSGT RECKLESS – Process and progress] slideshow by Jocelyn Russell.}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z67u5AG6BTM Sergeant Reckless and her foal Fearless at Camp Pendleton]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 Sergeant Reckless – Korean War Horse Hero video]
*[http://news.yahoo.com/video/woodland-man-tells-story-korean-025427310.html Woodland man tells story of Korean war horse, Marine mare]

[[Category:Korean War]]
[[Category:United States Marines]]
[[Category:Warhorses]]

[[la:Sgt Reckless]]

Sergeant Reckless

2013-08-27T20:34:03Z

Intothatdarkness: Lede tweeking

{{Infobox named horse
| horsename = Sergeant Reckless
| image = Sgt reckless in pasture.jpg
| caption = Sergeant Reckless in retirement.
| breed = [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] or [[Thoroughbred]] mixed breed
| sire =
| grandsire =
| dam =
| damsire =
| sex = [[Mare]]
| foaled = {{circa|1948}}
| death_date = May 13, 1968
| country = Korea
| color = [[Chestnut (color)|Chestnut]]
| breeder =
| owner = [[United States Marine Corps]]
| record =
| earnings =
| race =
| awards=
| honors =
| updated = August 16, 2013
}}

'''Sergeant Reckless''' was a [[mare]] of [[Mongolian horse]] breeding who joined the [[United States Marine Corps]] in October 1952 as a [[pack horse]] in numerous combat actions during the [[Korean War]], and was eventually promoted to [[Staff Sergeant#United States|Staff Sergeant]] by the [[Commandant of the Marine Corps]] after the Korean War.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She is an example of an animal that held official rank in a branch of the United States military. Originally a racehorse in [[Seoul]], she was purchased for $250 from a Korean boy who needed money to buy an artificial leg for his sister. She served with the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]], [[1st Marine Division]].{{sfn|Blackman, Jr.|2012|p=4}}

Originally purchased as a pack animal, Reckless quickly became a unit mascot. She carried supplies and ammunition, and was also used to evacuate wounded. The highlight of her nine-month military career came in late March 1953 during fighting around Vegas Hill when, in a single day, she made 51 solo trips to resupply multiple front line units.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Her wartime service record was featured in ''[[The Saturday Evening Post]]'' and [[Life (magazine)|''LIFE'' magazine]]. She was wounded in combat twice and is also known for eating about $30 worth of poker chips. Having received a [[battlefield promotion]] to Sergeant about a month before the war ended in 1953, she was retired and brought to the United States after the war, where she was officially promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1959. She gave birth to four [[foal]]s in America and died in May 1968. A plaque and photo were dedicated in her honor at the [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]] stables and a statue of her was dedicated on July 26, 2013.

==Origins==
Sergeant Reckless was [[chestnut (coat)|chestnut]] colored with a [[horse markings|blaze and three white stockings]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Her date of birth and parentage are unconfirmed, but she was estimated to be around three or four years old when she was purchased by members of the United States Marine Corps in October 1952. She was sold to the Marines by her owner, a young Korean stableboy called Kim Huk Moon,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=23–108}} though that was not his real name.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} The horse was originally named ''{{lang|ko|Ah Chim Hai}}'' in [[Korean language|Korean]],{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=48}} which translates to "Morning Flame" or "Flame-in-the-Morning",{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} also reputed to be the name of her [[Glossary of equestrian terms#D|dam]], a [[racehorse]] at the track in Seoul. Moon sold the horse, whom he had nicknamed "Flame," to Lieutenant Eric Pedersen for $250 in order to buy a leg [[prosthesis]] for his sister, who had stepped on a [[land mine]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109–113}} The horse's breeding was thought to be primarily [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] though she did have some features, particularly the shape of her head, that were similar to horses of [[Thoroughbred]] lineage. She was small, standing only {{hands|14}} and weighing {{convert|900|lb|kg}}.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=7}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}

==Military service==
[[File:Reckless with Sgt. Latham.jpg|thumb|Reckless with her primary trainer, Platoon Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Latham]]
In October 1952 Pedersen{{efn|Sometimes misspelled as "Pederson"{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Foreword}}}} received permission from [[Colonel]] Eustace P. Smoak to purchase a horse for his platoon.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Based in mountainous terrain, Pederson needed a pack animal capable of carrying up to nine of the heavy 24-pound shells needed to supply the [[recoilless rifle]]s used by his unit, the Recoilless Rifle Platoon of the [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]].{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} The day after he received permission, on October 26, 1952,{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} Pedersen, Sergeant Willard Berry, and Corporal Philip Carter drove a jeep with a trailer to the Seoul racetrack.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=130–132}} Pedersen paid for the horse with his own money.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=124–125}} Moon was reluctant to sell the horse, though he needed to,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109–113}} and cried when "Flame" departed.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=117}} At first the Marines renamed her "Recoilless", after the primary weapon of the platoon.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}} That changed to "Reckless" after the platoon's nickname, "Reckless Rifles."{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

Her primary trainer and the person Reckless was closest to was platoon [[Gunnery Sergeant]] Joseph Latham.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=120}} Private First Class Monroe Coleman was her primary caretaker.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} In addition to Pedersen, Latham, and Coleman, Lieutenant Bill Riley and Sergeant Elmer Lively were also involved with the training and care of Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} Pedersen had his wife ship a [[pack saddle]] from their home in California so Reckless could better fulfill her primary role as a pack animal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=142–143}} The recoilless rifle platoon had its own medical corpsman, Navy Hospitalman First Class George "Doc" Mitchell, who provided the majority of medical care for Reckless.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=120, 161}}

The Marines, especially Latham, taught Reckless battlefield survival skills such as how not to become entangled in [[barbed wire]] and to lie down when under fire.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} She learned to run for a [[bunker]] upon hearing the cry, "incoming!"{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} The platoon called it her "hoof training" and "hoof camp". The horse was initially kept in a pasture near the encampment.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Reckless had a gentle disposition and soon developed such a rapport with the troops that she was allowed to freely roam about the camp and entered tents at will,{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} sometimes sleeping inside with the troops, and even lying down next to Latham's warm tent stove on cold nights.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She was fond of a wide variety of foodstuffs, entertaining the platoon by eating scrambled eggs and drinking [[Coca-Cola]] and beer.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} Food could not be left unattended around her.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She was known to eat bacon, buttered toast, chocolate bars, hard candy, shredded wheat, peanut butter sandwiches and mashed potatoes. However, Mitchell advised the platoon that she not be given more than two bottles of Coke a day.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Her tastes were not confined to foodstuffs; she once ate her [[horse blanket]],{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} and on another occasion ate $30 worth of Latham's winning poker chips.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

[[File:Reckless_under_fire.jpg|thumb|left|Reckless under fire in Korea]]
Reckless's baptism under fire came at a place called Hedy's Crotch, near the villages of Changdan and Kwakchan.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=143–144}} Though loaded down with six recoilless rifle shells, she initially "went straight up" and all four feet left the ground the first time the recoilless rifle was fired. When she landed she started shaking, but Coleman, her handler, calmed her down. The second time the gun fired she merely snorted, and by the end of the mission that day appeared calm and was seen trying to eat a discarded helmet liner.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She even appeared to take an interest in the operation of the weapon.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=143–144}} When learning a new delivery route, Reckless would only need someone to lead her a few times. Afterwards she would make the trips on her own.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=181–183}}

Her most significant accomplishment came during the Battle of Panmunjom-Vegas (also known as the Battle of Outpost Vegas/Vegas Hill) over the period March 26–28, 1953, when she made 51 solo trips in a single day, carrying a total of 386 recoilless rounds (over 9,000 pounds, carrying 4 to 8 24-pound shells on each trip) covering over 35 miles that day. The whole Battle of Vegas lasted 3 days.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172–189}}{{efn|Sometimes erroneously reported as 5 days.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172–189}}}} She was wounded twice during the battle: once when she was hit by shrapnel over the left eye and another time on her left flank.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} There was a standing order not to ride Reckless, but during the Battle of Vegas Hill someone violated that order and took Reckless on a "joy ride" that included a sprint through a [[minefield]]. She was not injured during the unauthorized ride.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=158}} For her accomplishments during the Battle of Vegas Hill, Reckless was promoted to Corporal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=210}}

[[File:Sgt Reckless with recoilless-rifle.jpg|thumb|Reckless beside a 75mm recoilless rifle]]
When not on the front lines, Reckless packed other items for the platoon, and was particularly useful for stringing telephone wire. Carrying reels of wire on her pack that were played out as she walked, she could string as much wire as twelve men on foot.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She became the first horse in the Marine Corps known to have participated in an [[amphibious landing]] when the 5th moved from [[Camp Casey, South Korea|Camp Casey]] to [[Inchon]], planning to participate in amphibious landings hundreds of miles south of Inchon.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} The commanding officer of the transport halted loading operations when he saw the platoon on the dock with Reckless. He refused to take her on board his clean ship,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189–191}} which had won an award for being the cleanest ship in the previous two years.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=191}} However, once the Marines produced the loading plan the ship's commanding officer had approved which specifically listed Reckless and her equipment, she was allowed on board.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189–191}} Once the ship was underway, she became sick, making a mess on the ship's decks during the first part of the voyage. She could not be disembarked due to a storm, but soon became accustomed to the motion of the ship at sea and had no more problems.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} The 1st Marine Division was moved to a rest area soon after the move, and while there some platoon members posed with Reckless and a sign challenging the Thoroughbred [[Native Dancer]] to a race. They called their race the "Paddy Derby" and the field "Upsan Downs." The conditions were: 1.5 miles over paddies and hills, carrying 192 pounds of ammunition, and no riders. The Marines never received a reply. Native Dancer came in second in the [[Kentucky Derby]], but went on to win the [[Preakness Stakes]] and [[Belmont Stakes]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=191–193}}{{sfn|Baltimore Sun|2013}}

[[Randolph M. Pate]], then the commander of the 1st Marine Division, gave Reckless a [[battlefield promotion]] from Corporal to Sergeant in a formal ceremony, complete with reviewing stand, on April 10, 1954, several months after the war ended.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208–210}} She was also given a red and gold blanket with insignia.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 200–202}} Reckless was promoted again, to Staff Sergeant, on August 31, 1959, at Camp Pendleton, CA. This promotion was also awarded by Pate, who had by then advanced to Commandant of the Marine Corps. Pate personally presided over this promotion ceremony and she was honored with a 19-gun salute with a 1,700-man parade of Marines from her wartime unit.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} She was an early example of an animal holding official rank in a branch of the United States military.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}}

==Retirement==
[[File:Reckless Rotation Ceremony.png|thumb||left|Sergeant Reckless at her stateside rotation ceremony, 1954. PFC William Moore is holding her. He accompanied her on the trip to America.]]

For her exemplary service to the Marine Corps, Reckless was awarded two [[Purple Heart]]s (for the wounds received during the Battle of Vegas), a [[Good Conduct Medal (United States)#Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal|Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal]], a [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] with bronze star, the [[National Defense Service Medal]], a [[Korean Service Medal]], the [[United Nations Korea Medal]], a [[Navy Unit Commendation]], and a [[Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She would wear these awards on her horse blanket, plus a [[Fourragere|French Fourragere]] that the 5th Marines earned in [[World War I]].{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}

An article in ''The Saturday Evening Post'', published on April 17, 1954, while Reckless was still in Korea,{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} resulted in a campaign by American supporters to get the Marines to bring her to the United States. An executive at Pacific Transport Lines, Stan Coppel, read the article and offered to let Reckless ride free on one of his company's ships from [[Yokohama]] to [[San Francisco]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Prior to her departure for America, a ceremony, including a band, for Reckless' rotation to the United States was held during half time of a football game between the Marine Corps and Army. Reckless left Korea for Japan aboard a [[1st Marine Aircraft Wing]] transport plane.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208–210}} She then sailed from Yokohama on October 22 aboard the ''SS Pacific Transport'', due in San Francisco on November 5, 1954.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} A typhoon delayed the ship's arrival until the evening of November 9. Reckless and her caretakers stayed aboard until the next morning. Reckless got sick during the storm and was once knocked out of her stall onto the deck by the storm, which happened near the end of the trip.
{{quote box
| quote = "I was surprised at her beauty and intelligence, and believe it or not, her esprit de corps. Like any other Marine, she was enjoying a bottle of beer with her comrades. She was constantly the center of attraction and was fully aware of her importance. If she failed to receive the attention she felt her due, she would deliberately walk into a group of Marines and, in effect, enter the conversation. It was obvious the Marines loved her."
| source = ''—Lieutenant General Randolph McC. Pate''?{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}
| font = 120%
| width = 26em
| align = right
}}
Reckless's entry into the United States was not without its challenges. The [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|Customs Bureau]] was not much of a problem but the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] insisted a medical check and lab tests be completed before she disembarked from the ship once it reached San Francisco, which would make her late for the Marine banquet where she was to be the guest of honor. The Marines contacted Agriculture Department officials in Washington, D.C. who agreed to allow her off the ship after her blood was drawn for lab tests, with the understanding that if she had [[glanders]] or [[covering sickness|dourine]], she would be destroyed or sent back to Japan. Many of the Marines who actually knew her were incensed at what they considered an affront to her honor when they learned that dourine was an equine sexually transmitted disease.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211–217}} The night before she arrived, she once again ate her blanket, but a new one with ribbons and insignia was made just in time for her disembarkment. She was led off the ship by Lieutenant Pedersen and set foot on American soil in San Francisco on November 10, 1954,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Author's Note, 124}} coincidentally the birthday of the  Marine Corps. For the [[Marine Corps birthday ball|Marine Corps Birthday Ball]] held that day, she rode an elevator, and then ate both cake and the flower decorations.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}

Reckless was kept by Pedersen's family for a brief time before moving to a more permanent home with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. A second article about Reckless appeared in ''The Saturday Evening Post'' on October 22, 1955. These two articles and the book ''Reckless: Pride of the Marines'' (1955) were written by the commander of the 2nd Battalion, [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|Lieutenant Colonel]] Andrew Geer, who kept notes about Reckless during the war.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} She made several public appearances, including [[Art Linkletter]]'s show ''[[House Party (radio and TV show)|House Party]]'', but had to cancel an appearance on ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]'' due to the typhoon.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} Ed Sullivan had wanted her to appear on his November 7th show and was willing to pay the costs to get her there right after the scheduled, and delayed, November 5th arrival. Reckless never did appear on Sullivan's show.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211–217}}
[[File:Staff Sergeant Reckless.jpg|thumb|Sergeant Reckless at her promotion to Staff Sergeant, 1959]]

Reckless was well cared for and treated as a VIP during her time at Camp Pendleton. The Marine Corps was also careful not to allow her to be exploited by commercial interests.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=223–224}} She produced four [[foal]]s there: [[colt (horse)|colts]] Fearless (1957), Dauntless (1959), and Chesty (1964); her last foal, a filly born circa 1965–1966, died a month after birth and was unnamed.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Her offspring Chesty was named after [[Chesty Puller]], one of the few Marines ever allowed to ride Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} Puller was a Marine Corps [[Lieutenant general (United States)|Lieutenant General]] and the most decorated United States Marine of all time.{{sfn|Marine Corps News|2013}} Reckless retired from active service with full military honors at Camp Pendleton on November 10, 1960.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}}{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She was provided free board and feed in lieu of retirement pay, per Marine Corps documents.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

Reckless developed arthritis in her back as she aged and injured herself on May 13, 1968, by falling into a [[barbed wire]] fence. She died under sedation while her wounds were being treated.{{sfn|Tuscaloosa News|1968}} At the time of her death, she was estimated to be 19 or 20 years old.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} There is a plaque and photo commemorating her at the Camp Pendleton stables.{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} The first race at Aqueduct racetrack, New York, was designated "The Sgt Reckless" on November 10, 1989.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78–85}} In 1997, Reckless was listed by one ''LIFE'' magazine as one of America's 100 all-time heroes.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

A statue by sculptor Jocelyn Russell of Reckless carrying ammunition shells and other combat equipment was unveiled on Friday, July 26, 2013, in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the [[National Museum of the Marine Corps]], one day before the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. There is a lock of her [[tail (horse)|tail hair]] in the base of the statue.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}}

==See also==
*[[Horses in warfare]]

==Notes==
{{notes}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Bartel|2013}}|last=Bartel|first=Bill|title=Marines Honor Equine Comrade From Korean War|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2013/07/marines-honor-equine-comrade-korean-war|date=July 27, 2013|year=2013|newspaper=The Virginian Pilot|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Blackman, Jr.|first=Robert R.|title=President's Notes|journal=Sentinel|publisher=Marine Corps Heritage Foundation|month=Fall-Winter|year=2012|url=http://www.marineheritage.org/2012_Sentinel_online.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Coakley|first=Lesli|title=The four-legged Marine in Korea |journal=Marines|year=1991|month=September|volume=20|issue=9|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105114984?urlappend=%3Bseq=25|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Geer|first=Andrew|title=Reckless, Pride of the Marines|year=1955|publisher=E. P. Dutton|location=New York|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015003928499|year=1955}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Hoffman|first=Nancy Lee White|title=Sgt Reckless: Combat Veteran |journal=[[Leatherneck Magazine]]|year=1992|month=November|volume=75|issue=11|url=http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/sgt-reckless-combat-veteran|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Kilgannon|2012}}|last=Kilgannon|first=Corey|title=Remembering a Beloved Horse and Decorated Marine|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/remembering-a-beloved-horse-and-decorated-marine/?_r=0|date=November 9, 2012|year=2012|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Litalien|first=Dennis|title=Reckless Earns Place in Marine Corps History |journal=Marines|year=1984|volume=13|issue=6|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105112913?urlappend=%3Bseq=30|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Miller|2013}}|last=Miller|first=Joshua Rhett|title=Statue of Korean War Horse Reckless to be Unveiled at Marine museum in Virginia|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/24/statue-korean-war-horse-reckless-to-be-unveiled-at-marine-museum-in-virginia/|publisher=Fox News|date=July 25, 2013|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Equestrian News|2012}}|last=Staff|title=Hoofed Heroine Sgt. Reckless|url=http://theequestriannews.com/2012/11/12/hoofed-heroine-sgt-reckless/|date= November 12, 2012|year=2012|publisher=The Equestrian News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Baltimore Sun|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Native Dancer (1950–1967)|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/preakness-insider-blog/bal-horse-list-0516-native-dancer-19671129,0,3500525.photo|year=2013|publisher=The Baltimore Sun|accessdate=29 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Tuscaloosa News|1968}}|last=Staff|title=Sgt Reckless Dies; Heroic Marine Mare|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19680521&id=WHAfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=M5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6304,4254522|date=May 21, 1968|year=1968|publisher=The Tuscaloosa News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Marine Corps News|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Ultimate Marine (Puller vs Butler)|url=http://marines.dodlive.mil/2013/04/10/ultimate-marine-puller-vs-butler/|date= April 10, 2013|year=2013|publisher=Marine Corps News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite AV media|ref={{sfnRef|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} | date = 8 August 2010| title = Sgt Reckless — Korean War Horse Hero | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 | accessdate = 28 July 2013| time = 0:39–1:29, 2:19–2:45| publisher = sgtreckless.com via Marine Corps archives}}
{{refend}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book|last=Giaffo|first=Lou|title=Gooch's Marines|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mXcTGInloHkC&pg=PA199&lpg=PA199&dq=reckless+huk+moon&source=bl&ots=tJWAXthLx1&sig=-LIFbb-AxuCfaYp0Cf3OJNSSWBA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Fi_0UeiTMeiUjALtjYHABA&ved=0CFoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=reckless%20huk%20moon&f=false|year=2013|publisher=Dorrance Publishing|location=Pittsburgh, PA|pages=199-200|isbn=978-1-4349-3399-7}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Sergeant Reckless}}
{{ external media| align = right| width = | image1 = [http://www.wildlifebronzes.com/jocelyn/RECKLESS/go SSGT RECKLESS – Process and progress] slideshow by Jocelyn Russell.}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z67u5AG6BTM Sergeant Reckless and her foal Fearless at Camp Pendleton]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 Sergeant Reckless – Korean War Horse Hero video]
*[http://news.yahoo.com/video/woodland-man-tells-story-korean-025427310.html Woodland man tells story of Korean war horse, Marine mare]

[[Category:Korean War]]
[[Category:United States Marines]]
[[Category:Warhorses]]

[[la:Sgt Reckless]]

Sergeant Reckless

2013-08-01T20:42:49Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Military service */ Went for a "standard" title for the battle. Feel free to change if it doesn't work. And tweeked some prose.

{{Infobox named horse
| horsename = Sergeant Reckless
| image = Sgt reckless in pasture.jpg
| caption = Sergeant Reckless in retirement.
| breed = [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] or [[Thoroughbred]] mixed breed
| sire =
| grandsire =
| dam =
| damsire =
| sex = [[Mare]]
| foaled = {{circa|1948}}
| death_date = May 13, 1968
| country = Korea
| color = [[Chestnut (color)|Chestnut]]
| breeder =
| owner = [[United States Marine Corps]]
| record =
| earnings =
| race =
| awards=
| honors =
}}

'''Sergeant Reckless''' was a [[mare]] of [[Mongolian horse]] breeding who joined the [[United States Marine Corps]] in October 1952 as a [[pack horse]], and was eventually promoted to [[Staff Sergeant#United States|Staff Sergeant]] by the [[Commandant of the Marine Corps]] after the [[Korean War]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She is an example of an animal that held official rank in a branch of the United States military. Originally purchased for $250 from a Korean boy who needed money to purchase an artificial leg for his sister, she served with the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]], [[1st Marine Division]].{{sfn|Blackman, Jr.|2012|p=4}} in a nine-month military career highlighted by her 51 solo trips supporting multiple front line units in just one day of a multi-day battle in late March 1953.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Her service record was featured in ''[[The Saturday Evening Post]]'' and [[Life (magazine)|''LIFE'' magazine]]. Having received a [[battlefield promotion]] to Sergeant about a month before the war ended in 1953, she was retired and brought to the United States after the war, where she was officially promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1959. She gave birth to four [[foal]]s in America and died in May 1968. A plaque and photo were dedicated in her honor at the [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]] stables and a statue of her was dedicated on July 26, 2013.

==Origins==
Sergeant Reckless was [[chestnut (coat)|chestnut]] colored with a [[horse markings|blaze and three white stockings]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Her date of birth and parentage are unconfirmed, but she was estimated to be around three or four years old when she was purchased by members of the United States Marine Corps in October 1952. She was sold to the Marines by her owner, a young Korean stableboy called Kim Huk Moon,{{sfn|Giaffo|2013|p=199}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=23-108}} though that was not his real name.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} The horse was originally named ''{{lang|ko|Ah Chim Hai}}'' in [[Korean language|Korean]],{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=48}} which translates to "Morning Flame" or "Flame-in-the-Morning",{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} reputed to be the name of her [[Glossary of equestrian terms#D|dam]], a [[racehorse]] at the track in [[Seoul]]. Moon sold the horse, whom he had nicknamed "Flame," to Lieutenant Eric Pedersen for $250 in order to buy a leg [[prosthesis]] for his sister, who had stepped on [[land mine]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109-113}} The horse's breeding was thought to be primarily [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] though she did have some features, particularly the shape of her head, that were similar to horses of [[Thoroughbred]] lineage. She was small, standing only {{hands|14}} and weighing {{convert|900|lb|kg}}.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=7}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}

==Military service==
[[File:Reckless with Sgt. Latham.jpg|thumb|Reckless with her primary trainer, Platoon Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Latham]]
In October 1952 Pedersen{{efn|sometimes misspelled as "Pederson"{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Foreword}}}} received permission from [[Colonel]] Eustace P. Smoak to purchase a horse for his platoon.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Based in mountainous terrain, Pederson needed a pack animal capable of carrying up to nine of the heavy 24-pound shells needed to supply the [[recoilless rifle]]s used by his unit, the Recoilless Rifle Platoon of the [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]].{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} The day after he received permission, on October 26, 1952,{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} Pedersen, Sergeant Willard Berry, and Corporal Philip Carter drove a jeep with a trailer to the Seoul racetrack.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=130-132}} Pedersen paid for the horse with his own money.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=124-125}} Moon was reluctant to sell the horse, though he needed to,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109-113}} and cried when "Flame" departed.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=117}} At first the Marines renamed her "Recoilless", after the primary weapon of the platoon.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}} That changed to "Reckless" after the platoon's nickname, "Reckless Rifles."{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

Her primary trainer and the person Reckless was closest to was platoon [[Gunnery Sergeant]] Joseph Latham.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=120}} Private First Class Monroe Coleman was her primary caretaker.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} In addition to Pedersen, Latham, and Coleman, Lieutenant Bill Riley and Sergeant Elmer Lively were also involved with the training and care of Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} Pedersen had his wife ship a [[pack saddle]] from their home in California so Reckless could better fulfill her primary role as a pack animal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=142-143}} The recoilless rifle platoon had its own medical corpsman, Navy Hospitalman First Class George "Doc" Mitchell, who provided the majority of medical care for Reckless.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=120, 161}}

The Marines, especially Latham, taught Reckless battlefield survival skills such as how not to become entangled in [[barbed wire]] and to lay down when under fire.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} She learned to run for a [[bunker]] upon hearing the cry, "incoming!"{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} The platoon called it her "hoof training" and "hoof camp". The horse was initially kept in a pasture near the encampment.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Reckless had a gentle disposition and soon developed such a rapport with the troops that she was allowed to freely roam about the camp and entered tents at will,{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} sometimes sleeping inside with the troops, and even laying down next to Latham's warm tent stove on cold nights.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She was fond of a wide variety of foodstuffs, entertaining the platoon by eating scrambled eggs and drinking [[Coca-Cola]] and beer.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} Food could not be left unattended around her.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She was known to eat bacon, buttered toast, chocolate bars, hard candy, shredded wheat, peanut butter sandwiches and mashed potatoes. However, Mitchell advised the platoon that she not be given more than two bottles of Coke a day.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Her tastes were not confined to foodstuffs; she once ate her [[horse blanket]],{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} and on another occasion ate $30 worth of Latham's winning poker chips.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

[[File:Reckless_under_fire.jpg|thumb|left|Reckless under fire in Korea]]
Reckless's baptism under fire came at a place called Hedy's Crotch, near the villages of Changdan and Kwakchan.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=143-144}} Though loaded down with six recoilless rifle shells, she initially "went straight up" and all four feet left the ground the first time the recoilless rilfe was fired. When she landed she started shaking, but Coleman, her handler, calmed her down. The second time the gun fired she merely snorted, and by the end of the mission that day appeared calm and was seen trying to eat a discarded helmet liner.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She even appeared to take an interest in the operation of the weapon.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=143-144}} When learning a new delivery route, Reckless would only need someone to lead her a few times. Afterwards she would make the trips on her own.

Her most significant accomplishment came during the [[Battle of Panmunjom-Vegas]] (also known as the Battle of Outpost Vegas/Vegas Hill) from 26-28 March 1953 when she made 51 solo trips in a single day, carrying a total of 386 recoilless rounds (over 9,000 pounds, carrying 4 to 8 24-pound shells on each trip) covering over 35 miles that day. The whole Battle of Vegas lasted 3 days.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172-189}}{{efn|Sometimes erroneously reported as 5 days.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172-189}}}} She was wounded twice during the battle: once when she was hit by shrapnel over the left eye and another time on her left flank.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} There was a standing order not to ride Reckless, but during the Battle of Vegas Hill someone violated that order and took Reckless on a "joy ride" that included a sprint through a [[minefield]]. She was not injured during the unauthorized ride.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=158}} For her accomplishments during the Battle of Vegas Hill, Reckless was promoted to Corporal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=210}}

[[File:Sgt Reckless with recoilless-rifle.jpg|thumb|Reckless carrying a 75mm recoilless rifle and other gear]]
When not on the front lines, Reckless packed other items for the platoon, and was particularly useful for stringing telephone wire. Carrying reels of wire on her pack that were played out as she walked, she could string as much wire as twelve men on foot.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She became the first horse in the Marine Corps known to have participated in an [[amphibious landing]] when the 5th moved from [[Camp Casey, South Korea|Camp Casey]] to [[Inchon]], planning to participate in amphibious landings hundreds of miles south of Inchon.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} The commanding officer of the transport halted loading operations when he saw the platoon on the dock with Reckless. He refused to take her on board his clean ship,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189-191}} which had won an award for being the cleanest ship in the previous two years.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=191}} However, once the Marines produced the loading plan the ship's commanding officer had approved which specifically listed Reckless and her equipment, she was allowed on board.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189-191}} Once the ship was underway, she became sick, making a mess on the ship's decks during the first part of the voyage. She could not be disembarked due to a storm, but soon became accustomed to the motion of the ship at sea and had no more problems.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} The 1st Marine Division was moved to a rest area soon after the move, and while there some platoon members posed with Reckless and a sign challenging the Thoroughbred [[Native Dancer]] to a race. They called their race the "Paddy Derby" and the field "Upsan Downs." The conditions were: 1.5 miles over paddies and hills, carrying 192 pounds of ammunition, and no riders. The Marines never received a reply. Native Dancer lost the [[Kentucky Derby]], coming in 2nd place, days later, but went on to win the [[Preakness Stakes]] and [[Belmont Stakes]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=191-193}}{{sfn|Baltimore Sun|2013}}

[[Randolph M. Pate]], then the commander of the 1st Marine Division, gave Reckless a [[battlefield promotion]] from Corporal to Sergeant in a formal ceremony, complete with reviewing stand, on April 10, 1954, several months after the war ended.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208-210}} She was also given a red and gold blanket with insignia.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 200-202}} Reckless was promoted again, to Staff Sergeant, on August 31, 1959, at Camp Pendleton, CA. This promotion was also awarded by Pate, who had by then advanced to Commandant of the Marine Corps. Pate personally presided over this promotion ceremony and she was honored with a 19-gun salute with a 1,700-man parade of Marines from her wartime unit.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} She was an early example of an animal holding official rank in a branch of the United States military.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}}

==Retirement==
[[File:Reckless Rotation Ceremony.png|thumb||left|Sergeant Reckless at her stateside rotation ceremony, 1954. PFC William Moore is holding her. He accompanied her on the trip to America.]]

For her exemplary service to the Marine Corps, Reckless was awarded two [[Purple Heart]]s (for the wounds received during the Battle of Vegas), a [[Good Conduct Medal (United States)#Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal|Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal]], a [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] with bronze star, the [[National Defense Service Medal]], a [[Korean Service Medal]], the [[United Nations Korea Medal]], a [[Navy Unit Commendation]], and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She would wear these awards on her horse blanket, plus a [[Fourragere|French Fourragere]] that the 5th Marines earned in [[World War I]].{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}

An article in ''The Saturday Evening Post'', published on April 17, 1954 while Reckless was still in Korea,{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} resulted in a campaign by American supporters to get the Marines to bring her to the United States. An executive at Pacific Transport Lines, Stan Coppel, read the article and offered to let Reckless ride free on one of his company's ships from [[Yokohama]] to [[San Francisco]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Prior to her departure for America, a ceremony, including a band, for Reckless' rotation to the United States was held during half time of a football game between the Marine Corps and Army. Reckless left Korea for Japan aboard a [[1st Marine Aircraft Wing]] transport plane.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208-210}} She then sailed from Yokohama on October 22 aboard the ''SS Pacific Transport'', due in San Francisco on November 5, 1954.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} A typhoon delayed the ship's arrival until the evening of November 9th. Reckless and her caretakers stayed aboard until the next morning. Reckless got sick during the storm and was once knocked out of her stall onto the deck by the storm, which happened near the end of the trip.
{{quote box
| quote = "I was surprised at her beauty and intelligence, and believe it or not, her esprit de corps. Like any other Marine, she was enjoying a bottle of beer with her comrades. She was constantly the center of attraction and was fully aware of her importance. If she failed to receive the attention she felt her due, she would deliberately walk into a group of Marines and, in effect, enter the conversation. It was obvious the Marines loved her."
| source = ''—Lieutenant General Randolph McC. Pate'' {{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}
| font = 120%
| width = 26em
| align = right
}}
Reckless's entry into the United States was not without its challenges. The [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|Customs Bureau]] was not much of a problem but the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] insisted a medical check and lab tests be completed before she disembarked from the ship once it reached San Francisco, which would make her late for the Marine banquet where she was to be the guest of honor. The Marines contacted Agriculture Department officials in Washington, D.C. who agreed to allow her off the ship after her blood was drawn for lab tests, with the understanding that if she had [[glanders]] or [[covering sickness|dourine]], she would be destroyed or sent back to Japan. Many of the Marines who actually knew her were incensed at what they considered an affront to her honor when they learned that dourine was an equine sexually transmitted disease.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211-217}} The night before she arrived, she once again ate her blanket, but a new one with ribbons and insignia was made just in time for her disembarkment. She was led off the ship by Lieutenant Pedersen and set foot on American soil in San Francisco on November 10, 1954,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Author's Note, 124}} coincidentally the birthday of the  Marine Corps. For the [[Marine Corps birthday ball|Marine Corps Birthday Ball]] held that day, she rode an elevator, and then ate both cake and the flower decorations.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}

Reckless was kept by Pedersen's family for a brief time before moving to a more permanent home with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. A second article about Reckless appeared in ''The Saturday Evening Post'' on October 22, 1955. These two articles and the book ''Reckless: Pride of the Marines'' (1955) were written by the commander of the 2nd Battalion, [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|Lieutenant Colonel]] Andrew Geer, who kept notes about Reckless during the war.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She made several public appearances, including [[Art Linkletter]]'s show ''[[House Party (radio and TV show)|House Party]]'', but had to cancel an appearance on ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]'' due to the typhoon.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} Ed Sullivan had wanted her to appear on his November 7th show and was willing to pay the costs to get her there right after the scheduled, and delayed, November 5th arrival. Reckless never did appear on Sullivan's show.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211-217}}
[[File:Staff Sergeant Reckless.jpg|thumb|Sergeant Reckless at her promotion to Staff Sergeant, 1959]]

Reckless was well cared for and treated as a VIP during her time at Camp Pendleton. The Marine Corps was also careful not to allow her to be exploited by commercial interests.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=223-224}} She produced four [[foal]]s there: [[colt (horse)|colts]] Fearless (1957), Dauntless (1959), and Chesty (1964); her last foal, a filly born circa 1965-1966, died a month after birth and was unnamed.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Giaffo|2013|p=200}} Her offspring Chesty was named after [[Chesty Puller]], one of the few Marines ever allowed to ride Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Puller was a Marine Corps [[Lieutenant general (United States)|Lieutenant General]] and the most decorated United States Marine of all time.{{sfn|Marine Corps News|2013}} Reckless retired from active service with full military honors at Camp Pendleton on November 10, 1960.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She was provided free board and feed in lieu of retirement pay, per Marine Corps documents.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

Reckless developed arthritis in her back as she aged and injured herself on May 13, 1968 by falling into a [[barbed wire]] fence. She died under sedation while her wounds were being treated.{{sfn|Tuscaloosa News|1968}} At the time of her death, she was estimated to be 19 or 20 years old.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} There is a plaque and photo commemorating her at the Camp Pendleton stables.{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} The first race at Aqueduct racetrack, New York, was designated "The Sgt Reckless" on Nov. 10, 1989.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} In 1997, Reckless was listed by one ''LIFE'' magazine as one of America's 100 all-time heroes.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

{{ external media| align = right| width = | image1 = [http://www.wildlifebronzes.com/jocelyn/RECKLESS/go SSGT RECKLESS - Process and progress] slideshow by Jocelyn Russell.}}
A statue by sculptor Jocelyn Russell of Reckless carrying ammunition shells and other combat equipment was unveiled on Friday, July 26, 2013 in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the [[National Museum of the Marine Corps]] on July 26, 2013, one day before the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. There is a lock of her [[tail (horse)|tail hair]] in the base of the statue.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}}

==See also==
*[[Horses in warfare]]

==Notes==
{{notes}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Bartel|2013}}|last=Bartel|first=Bill|title=Marines Honor Equine Comrade From Korean War|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2013/07/marines-honor-equine-comrade-korean-war|date=July 27, 2013|year=2013|newspaper=The Virginian Pilot|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Blackman, Jr.|first=Robert R.|title=President's Notes|journal=Sentinel|publisher=Marine Corps Heritage Foundation|month=Fall-Winter|year=2012|url=http://www.marineheritage.org/2012_Sentinel_online.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Coakley|first=Lesli|title=The four-legged Marine in Korea |journal=Marines|year=1991|month=September|volume=20|issue=9|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105114984?urlappend=%3Bseq=25|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Geer|first=Andrew|title=Reckless, Pride of the Marines|year=1955|publisher=E. P. Dutton|location=New York|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015003928499|year=1955}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Giaffo|first=Lou|title=Gooch's Marines|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mXcTGInloHkC&pg=PA199&lpg=PA199&dq=reckless+huk+moon&source=bl&ots=tJWAXthLx1&sig=-LIFbb-AxuCfaYp0Cf3OJNSSWBA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Fi_0UeiTMeiUjALtjYHABA&ved=0CFoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=reckless%20huk%20moon&f=false|year=2013|publisher=RoseDog Books|location=Pittsburgh, PA|isbn=978-1-4349-3399-7}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Hoffman|first=Nancy Lee White|title=Sgt Reckless: Combat Veteran |journal=[[Leatherneck Magazine]]|year=1992|month=November|volume=75|issue=11|url=http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/sgt-reckless-combat-veteran|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Kilgannon|2012}}|last=Kilgannon|first=Corey|title=Remembering a Beloved Horse and Decorated Marine|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/remembering-a-beloved-horse-and-decorated-marine/?_r=0|date=November 9, 2012|year=2012|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Litalien|first=Dennis|title=Reckless Earns Place in Marine Corps History |journal=Marines|year=1984|volume=13|issue=6|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105112913?urlappend=%3Bseq=30|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Miller|2013}}|last=Miller|first=Joshua Rhett|title=Statue of Korean War Horse Reckless to be Unveiled at Marine museum in Virginia|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/24/statue-korean-war-horse-reckless-to-be-unveiled-at-marine-museum-in-virginia/|publisher=Fox News|date=July 25, 2013|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Equestrian News|2012}}|last=Staff|title=Hoofed Heroine Sgt. Reckless|url=http://theequestriannews.com/2012/11/12/hoofed-heroine-sgt-reckless/|date= November 12, 2012|year=2012|publisher=The Equestrian News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Baltimore Sun|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Native Dancer (1950-1967)|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/preakness-insider-blog/bal-horse-list-0516-native-dancer-19671129,0,3500525.photo|year=2013|publisher=The Baltimore Sun|accessdate=29 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Tuscaloosa News|1968}}|last=Staff|title=Sgt Reckless Dies; Heroic Marine Mare|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19680521&id=WHAfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=M5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6304,4254522|date=May 21, 1968|year=1968|publisher=The Tuscaloosa News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Marine Corps News|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Ultimate Marine (Puller vs Butler)|url=http://marines.dodlive.mil/2013/04/10/ultimate-marine-puller-vs-butler/|date= April 10, 2013|year=2013|publisher=Marine Corps News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite AV media|ref={{sfnRef|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} | date = 8 August 2010| title = Sgt Reckless — Korean War Horse Hero | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 | accessdate = 28 July 2013| time = 0:39-1:29, 2:19-2:45| publisher = sgtreckless.com via Marine Corps archives}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Sergeant Reckless}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z67u5AG6BTM Sergeant Reckless and her foal Fearless at Camp Pendleton]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 Sergeant Reckless - Korean War Horse Hero video]
*[http://news.yahoo.com/video/woodland-man-tells-story-korean-025427310.html Woodland man tells story of Korean war horse, Marine mare]

[[Category:Korean War]]
[[Category:United States Marines]]
[[Category:Warhorses]]

[[la:Sgt Reckless]]

Sergeant Reckless

2013-08-01T17:56:28Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Military service */ might be best to just remove the word. Scout is a position and not rank or part of a rank in the USMC. I don't think it changes the flow with it gone.

{{Infobox named horse
| horsename = Sergeant Reckless
| image = Sgt reckless in pasture.jpg
| caption = Sergeant Reckless in retirement.
| breed = [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] or [[Thoroughbred]] mixed breed
| sire =
| grandsire =
| dam =
| damsire =
| sex = [[Mare]]
| foaled = {{circa|1948}}
| death_date = May 13, 1968
| country = Korea
| color = [[Chestnut (color)|Chestnut]]
| breeder =
| owner = [[United States Marine Corps]]
| record =
| earnings =
| race =
| awards=
| honors =
}}

'''Sergeant Reckless''' was a [[mare]] of [[Mongolian horse]] breeding who joined the [[United States Marine Corps]] in October 1952 as a [[pack horse]], and was eventually promoted to [[Staff Sergeant#United States|Staff Sergeant]] by the [[Commandant of the Marine Corps]] after the [[Korean War]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She is an example of an animal that held official rank in a branch of the United States military. Originally purchased for $250 by a Marine from a Korean boy who needed money to purchase an artificial leg for his sister, she served with the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]], [[1st Marine Division]].{{sfn|Blackman, Jr.|2012|p=4}} in a nine-month military career highlighted by her 51 solo trips supporting multiple front line units in just one day of a multi-day battle in late March 1953.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Her service record was featured in ''[[The Saturday Evening Post]]'' and [[Life (magazine)|''LIFE'' magazine]]. Having received a [[battlefield promotion]] to Sergeant about a month before the war ended in 1953, she was retired and brought to the United States after the war, where she was officially promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1959. She gave birth to four [[foal]]s in America and died in May 1968. A plaque and photo were dedicated in her honor at the [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]] stables and a statue of her was dedicated on July 26, 2013.

==Origins==
Sergeant Reckless's date of birth and parentage are unconfirmed, but she was a [[filly]] estimated to be around three or four years old when she was purchased by members of the United States Marine Corps in October 1952. She was sold to the Marines by her owner, a young Korean stableboy called Kim Huk Moon,{{sfn|Giaffo|2013|p=199}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=23-108}} though that was not his real name.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} The horse was originally named ''{{lang|ko|Ah Chim Hai}}'' in [[Korean language|Korean]],{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=48}} which translates to "Morning Flame" or "Flame-in-the-Morning",{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} reputed to be the name of her [[Glossary of equestrian terms#D|dam]], a [[racehorse]] at the track in [[Seoul]]. Moon sold the horse, whom he had nicknamed "Flame," to Lieutenant Eric Pedersen for $250 in order to buy a leg [[prosthesis]] for his sister, who had stepped on [[land mine]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109-113}} The horse's breeding was thought to be primarily [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] though she did have some features, particularly the shape of her head, that were similar to horses of [[Thoroughbred]] lineage. She was small, standing only {{hands|14}} and weighing {{convert|900|lb|kg}}.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=7}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}

==Military service==
[[File:Reckless with Sgt. Latham.jpg|thumb|Reckless with her primary trainer, Platoon Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Latham]]
In October 1952 Pedersen{{efn|sometimes misspelled as "Pederson"{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Foreword}}}} received permission from [[Colonel]] Eustace P. Smoak to purchase a horse for his platoon.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Pederson needed a pack animal in the mountainous terrain capable of carrying at least nine of the heavy 24-pound shells needed to supply the [[recoilless rifle]]s used by his unit (the Recoilless Rifle Platoon of the [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]]).{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} The day after he received permission, on October 26, 1952,{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} Pedersen, Sergeant Willard Berry, and Corporal Philip Carter drove a jeep with a trailer to the Seoul racetrack.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=130-132}} Pedersen paid for the horse with his own money.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=124-125}} Moon was reluctant to sell the horse, though he needed to,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109-113}} and cried when "Flame" departed.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=117}} At first the Marines renamed her "Recoilless", after the primary weapon of the platoon.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}} That changed to "Reckless" after the platoon's nickname, "Reckless Rifles."{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

Her primary trainer and the person Reckless was closest to was platoon [[Gunnery Sergeant]] Joseph Latham.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=120}} Private First Class Monroe Coleman was her primary caretaker.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} In addition to Pedersen, Latham, and Coleman, Lieutenant Bill Riley and Sergeant Elmer Lively were also involved with the training and care of Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} Pedersen had his wife ship a [[pack saddle]] from their home in California so Reckless could fulfill her primary role as a pack animal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=142-143}} The recoilless rifle platoon had its own medical corpsman, Navy Hospitalman First Class George "Doc" Mitchell, who provided the majority of medical care for Reckless.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=120, 161}}

The Marines, especially Latham, taught Reckless battlefield survival skills such as  how not to become entangled in [[barbed wire]] and to lay down when under fire. They called it her "hoof training" and "hoof camp". The horse was initially kept in a pasture near the encampment.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Eventually she developed such a rapport with the troops that she was allowed to freely roam about the camp, and entered tents at will. Reckless had a gentle disposition and was fond of a wide variety of foodstuffs, entertaining the platoon by eating scrambled eggs and drinking [[Coca-Cola]] and beer.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} Food could not be left unattended around her.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She once ate her [[horse blanket]],{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} and on another occasion ate $30 worth of poker chips.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

[[File:Reckless_under_fire.jpg|thumb|left|Reckless under fire in Korea]]
Reckless's baptism under fire came at a place called Hedy's Crotch, near the villages of Changdan and Kwakchan. Though loaded down with recoilless rifle shells, she initially jumped around the first two times the recoilless rilfe was fired, but soon settled down and seemed to take an interest in the operations of the weapon.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=143-144}} When learning a new delivery route, Reckless would only need someone to lead her a few times. Afterwards she would make the trips on her own. Her most significant accomplishment came during the [[Battle of Panmunjom-Vegas]] (also known as the Battle of Outpost Vegas/Vegas Hill) from 26-28 March 1953 when she made 51 solo trips, carrying a total of 386 recoilless rounds (over 9,000 pounds by the end of the battle, carrying 4 to 8 24-pound shells on each trip) covering over 35 miles during one day of the battle. The whole Battle of Vegas lasted 3 days.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172-189}}{{efn|Sometimes erroneously reported as 5 days.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172-189}}}} She was wounded twice during the Battle of Vegas: once when she was hit by shrapnel over the left eye and another time on her left flank.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} There was a standing order not to ride Reckless, but during the Battle of Vegas someone did, and Reckless went on a "joy ride" that included a sprint through a [[minefield]], but she was not injured.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=158}} For her accomplishments during the Battle of Vegas, Reckless was promoted to Corporal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=210}}

[[File:Sgt Reckless with recoilless-rifle.jpg|thumb|Reckless carrying a 75mm recoilless rifle and other gear]]
Reckless became the first horse in the Marine Corps known to have participated in an [[amphibious landing]] when the 5th moved from [[Camp Casey, South Korea|Camp Casey]] to [[Inchon]], planning to participate in amphibious landings hundreds of miles south of Inchon.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} The commanding officer of the transport halted loading operations when he saw the platoon on the dock with Reckless. He refused to take her on board his clean ship,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189-191}} which had won an award for being the cleanest ship in the previous two years.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=191}} However, once the Marines produced the loading plan the ship's commanding officer had approved which specifically listed Reckless and her equipment, she was allowed on board.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189-191}} Once the ship was underway, she became sick, making a mess on the ship's decks during the first part of the voyage. She could not be disembarked due to a storm, but soon became accustomed to the motion of the ship at sea and had no more problems.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} The 1st Marine Division was moved to a rest area soon after the move, and while there some platoon members posed with Reckless and a sign challenging the Thoroughbred [[Native Dancer]] to a race. They called their race the "Paddy Derby" and the field "Upsan Downs." The conditions were: 1.5 miles over paddies and hills, carrying 192 pounds of ammunition, and no riders. The Marines never received a reply. Native Dancer lost the [[Kentucky Derby]], coming in 2nd place, days later, but went on to win the [[Preakness Stakes]] and [[Belmont Stakes]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=191-193}}{{sfn|Baltimore Sun|2013}}

[[Randolph M. Pate]], then the commander of the 1st Marine Division, gave Reckless a [[battlefield promotion]] from Corporal to Sergeant in a formal ceremony, complete with reviewing stand, on April 10, 1954, several months after the war ended.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208-210}} She was also given a red and gold blanket with insignia.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 200-202}} Reckless was promoted again, to Staff Sergeant, on August 31, 1959, at Camp Pendleton, CA. This promotion was also awarded by Pate, who had by then advanced to Commandant of the Marine Corps. Pate personally presided over this promotion ceremony and she was honored with a 19-gun salute with a 1,700-man parade of Marines from her wartime unit.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} She was an early example of an animal holding official rank in a branch of the United States military.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}}

==Retirement==
[[File:Staff Sergeant Reckless.jpg|thumb|Sergeant Reckless getting promoted to Staff Sergeant, 1959]]
For her exemplary service to the Marine Corps, Reckless was awarded two [[Purple Heart]]s (for the wounds received during the Battle of Vegas), a [[Good Conduct Medal (United States)#Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal|Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal]], a [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] with bronze star, the [[National Defense Service Medal]], a [[Korean Service Medal]], the [[United Nations Korea Medal]], a [[Navy Unit Commendation]], and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She would wear these awards on her horse blanket, plus a [[Fourragere|French Fourragere]] that the 5th Marines earned in [[World War I]].{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}

An article in ''The Saturday Evening Post'', published on April 17, 1954 while Reckless was still in Korea,{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} resulted in a campaign by American supporters to get the Marines to bring her to the United States. An executive at Pacific Transport Lines, Stan Coppel, read the article and offered to let Reckless ride free on one of his company's ships from [[Yokohama]] to [[San Francisco]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Prior to her departure for America, a ceremony, including a band, for Reckless' rotation to the United States was held during half time of a football game between the Marine Corps and Army. Reckless left Korea for Japan aboard a [[1st Marine Aircraft Wing]] transport plane.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208-210}} She then sailed from Yokohama on October 22 aboard the ''SS Pacific Transport'', due in San Francisco on November 5, 1954.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} A typhoon delayed the ship's arrival until the evening of November 9th. Reckless and her caretakers stayed aboard until the next morning. Reckless got sick during the storm and was once knocked out of her stall onto the deck by the storm, which happened near the end of the trip.

Reckless's entry into the United States was not without its challenges. The [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|Customs Bureau]] was not much of a problem but the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] insisted a medical check and lab tests be completed before she disembarked from the ship once it reached San Francisco, which would make her late for the Marine banquet where she was to be the guest of honor. The Marines contacted Agriculture Department officials in Washington, D.C. who agreed to allow her off the ship after her blood was drawn for lab tests, with the understanding that if she had [[glanders]] or [[covering sickness|dourine]], she would be destroyed or sent back to Japan. Many of the Marines who actually knew her were incensed at what they considered an affront to her honor when they learned that dourine was an equine sexually transmitted disease.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211-217}} The night before she arrived, she once again ate her blanket, but a new one with ribbons and insignia was made just in time for her disembarkment. She was led off the ship by Lieutenant Pedersen and set foot on American soil in San Francisco on November 10, 1954,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Author's Note, 124}} coincidentally the birthday of the  Marine Corps. For the [[Marine Corps birthday ball|Marine Corps Birthday Ball]] held that day, she rode an elevator, and then ate both cake and the flower decorations.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}

Reckless was kept by Pedersen's family for a brief time before moving to a more permanent home with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. A second article about Reckless appeared in ''The Saturday Evening Post'' on October 22, 1955. These two articles and the book ''Reckless: Pride of the Marines'' (1955) were written by the commander of the 2nd Battalion, [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|Lieutenant Colonel]] Andrew Geer, who kept notes about Reckless during the war.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She made several public appearances, including [[Art Linkletter]]'s show ''[[House Party (radio and TV show)|House Party]]'', but had to cancel an appearance on ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]'' due to the typhoon.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} Ed Sullivan had wanted her to appear on his November 7th show and was willing to pay the costs to get her there right after the scheduled, and delayed, November 5th arrival. Reckless never did appear on Sullivan's show.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211-217}}

[[File:Reckless Rotation Ceremony.png|thumb||left|Sergeant Reckless at her stateside rotation ceremony, 1954. PFC William Moore is holding her. He accompanied her on the trip to America.]]
Reckless was well cared-for and treated as a VIP during her time at Camp Pendleton. The Marine Corps was also careful not to allow her to be exploited by commercial interests.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=223-224}} She produced four [[foal]]s there: [[colt (horse)|colts]] Fearless (1957), Dauntless (1959), and Chesty (1964); her last foal, a filly born circa 1965-1966, died a month after birth and was unnamed.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Giaffo|2013|p=200}} Her offspring Chesty was named after [[Chesty Puller]], one of the few Marines ever allowed to ride Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Puller was a Marine Corps [[Lieutenant general (United States)|Lieutenant General]] and the most decorated United States Marine of all time.{{sfn|Marine Corps News|2013}} Reckless retired from active service with full military honors at Camp Pendleton on November 10, 1960.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She was provided free board and feed in lieu of retirement pay, per Marine Corps documents.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

Reckless developed arthritis in her back as she aged and injured herself on May 13, 1968 by falling into a [[barbed wire]] fence. She died under sedation while her wounds were being treated.{{sfn|Tuscaloosa News|1968}} At the time of her death, she was estimated to be 19 or 20 years old.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} There is a plaque and photo commemorating her at the Camp Pendleton stables.{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} The first race at Aqueduct racetrack, New York, was designated "The Sgt Reckless" on Nov. 10, 1989.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} In 1997, Reckless was listed by one ''LIFE'' magazine as one of America's 100 all-time heroes.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

{{ external media| align = right| width = | image1 = [http://www.wildlifebronzes.com/jocelyn/RECKLESS/go SSGT RECKLESS - Process and progress] slideshow by Jocelyn Russell.}}
A statue by sculptor Jocelyn Russell of Reckless carrying ammunition shells and other combat equipment was unveiled on Friday, July 26, 2013 in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the [[National Museum of the Marine Corps]] on July 26, 2013, one day before the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. There is a lock of her [[tail (horse)|tail hair]] in the base of the statue.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}}

==See also==
*[[Horses in warfare]]

==Notes==
{{notes}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Bartel|2013}}|last=Bartel|first=Bill|title=Marines Honor Equine Comrade From Korean War|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2013/07/marines-honor-equine-comrade-korean-war|date=July 27, 2013|year=2013|newspaper=The Virginian Pilot|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Blackman, Jr.|first=Robert R.|title=President's Notes|journal=Sentinel|publisher=Marine Corps Heritage Foundation|month=Fall-Winter|year=2012|url=http://www.marineheritage.org/2012_Sentinel_online.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Coakley|first=Lesli|title=The four-legged Marine in Korea |journal=Marines|year=1991|month=September|volume=20|issue=9|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105114984?urlappend=%3Bseq=25|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Geer|first=Andrew|title=Reckless, Pride of the Marines|year=1955|publisher=E. P. Dutton|location=New York|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015003928499|year=1955}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Giaffo|first=Lou|title=Gooch's Marines|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mXcTGInloHkC&pg=PA199&lpg=PA199&dq=reckless+huk+moon&source=bl&ots=tJWAXthLx1&sig=-LIFbb-AxuCfaYp0Cf3OJNSSWBA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Fi_0UeiTMeiUjALtjYHABA&ved=0CFoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=reckless%20huk%20moon&f=false|year=2013|publisher=RoseDog Books|location=Pittsburgh, PA|isbn=978-1-4349-3399-7}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Hoffman|first=Nancy Lee White|title=Sgt Reckless: Combat Veteran |journal=[[Leatherneck Magazine]]|year=1992|month=November|volume=75|issue=11|url=http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/sgt-reckless-combat-veteran|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Kilgannon|2012}}|last=Kilgannon|first=Corey|title=Remembering a Beloved Horse and Decorated Marine|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/remembering-a-beloved-horse-and-decorated-marine/?_r=0|date=November 9, 2012|year=2012|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Litalien|first=Dennis|title=Reckless Earns Place in Marine Corps History |journal=Marines|year=1984|volume=13|issue=6|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105112913?urlappend=%3Bseq=30|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Miller|2013}}|last=Miller|first=Joshua Rhett|title=Statue of Korean War Horse Reckless to be Unveiled at Marine museum in Virginia|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/24/statue-korean-war-horse-reckless-to-be-unveiled-at-marine-museum-in-virginia/|publisher=Fox News|date=July 25, 2013|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Equestrian News|2012}}|last=Staff|title=Hoofed Heroine Sgt. Reckless|url=http://theequestriannews.com/2012/11/12/hoofed-heroine-sgt-reckless/|date= November 12, 2012|year=2012|publisher=The Equestrian News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Baltimore Sun|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Native Dancer (1950-1967)|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/preakness-insider-blog/bal-horse-list-0516-native-dancer-19671129,0,3500525.photo|year=2013|publisher=The Baltimore Sun|accessdate=29 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Tuscaloosa News|1968}}|last=Staff|title=Sgt Reckless Dies; Heroic Marine Mare|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19680521&id=WHAfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=M5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6304,4254522|date=May 21, 1968|year=1968|publisher=The Tuscaloosa News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Marine Corps News|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Ultimate Marine (Puller vs Butler)|url=http://marines.dodlive.mil/2013/04/10/ultimate-marine-puller-vs-butler/|date= April 10, 2013|year=2013|publisher=Marine Corps News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite AV media|ref={{sfnRef|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} | date = 8 August 2010| title = Sgt Reckless — Korean War Horse Hero | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 | accessdate = 28 July 2013| time = 0:39-1:29, 2:19-2:45| publisher = sgtreckless.com via Marine Corps archives}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Sergeant Reckless}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z67u5AG6BTM Sergeant Reckless and her foal Fearless at Camp Pendleton]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 Sergeant Reckless - Korean War Horse Hero video]
*[http://news.yahoo.com/video/woodland-man-tells-story-korean-025427310.html Woodland man tells story of Korean war horse, Marine mare]

[[Category:Korean War]]
[[Category:United States Marines]]
[[Category:Warhorses]]

[[la:Sgt Reckless]]

Sergeant Reckless

2013-08-01T14:34:37Z

Intothatdarkness: Wording

{{Infobox named horse
| horsename = Sergeant Reckless
| image = Sgt reckless in pasture.jpg
| caption = Sergeant Reckless in retirement.
| breed = [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] or [[Thoroughbred]] mixed breed
| sire =
| grandsire =
| dam =
| damsire =
| sex = [[Mare]]
| foaled = {{circa|1948}}
| death_date = May 13, 1968
| country = Korea
| color = [[Chestnut (color)|Chestnut]]
| breeder =
| owner = [[United States Marine Corps]]
| record =
| earnings =
| race =
| awards=
| honors =
}}

'''Sergeant Reckless''' was a [[mare]] of [[Mongolian horse]] breeding who joined the [[United States Marine Corps]] in October 1952 as a [[pack horse]], and was eventually promoted to [[Staff Sergeant#United States|Staff Sergeant]] by the [[Commandant of the Marine Corps]] after the [[Korean War]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She is an example of an animal that held official rank in a branch of the United States military. Originally purchased for $250 by a Marine from a Korean boy who needed money to purchase an artificial leg for his sister, she served with the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]], [[1st Marine Division]].{{sfn|Blackman, Jr.|2012|p=4}} in a nine-month military career highlighted by her 51 solo trips supporting multiple front line units in just one day of a multi-day battle in late March 1953.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Her service record was featured in ''[[The Saturday Evening Post]]'' and [[Life (magazine)|''LIFE'' magazine]]. Having received a [[battlefield promotion]] to Sergeant about a month before the war ended in 1953, she was retired and brought to the United States after the war, where she was officially promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1959. She gave birth to four [[foal]]s in America and died in May 1968. A plaque and photo were dedicated in her honor at the [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]] stables and a statue of her was dedicated on July 26, 2013.

==Origins==
Sergeant Reckless's date of birth and parentage are unconfirmed, but she was a [[filly]] estimated to be around three or four years old when she was purchased by members of the United States Marine Corps in October 1952. She was sold to the Marines by her owner, a young Korean stableboy called Kim Huk Moon,{{sfn|Giaffo|2013|p=199}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=23-108}} though that was not his real name.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} The horse was originally named ''{{lang|ko|Ah Chim Hai}}'' in [[Korean language|Korean]],{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=48}} which translates to "Morning Flame" or "Flame-in-the-Morning",{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} reputed to be the name of her [[Glossary of equestrian terms#D|dam]], a [[racehorse]] at the track in [[Seoul]]. Moon sold the horse, whom he had nicknamed "Flame," to Lieutenant Eric Pedersen for $250 in order to buy a leg [[prosthesis]] for his sister, who had stepped on [[land mine]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109-113}} The horse's breeding was thought to be primarily [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] though she did have some features, particularly the shape of her head, that were similar to horses of [[Thoroughbred]] lineage. She was small, standing only {{hands|14}} and weighing {{convert|900|lb|kg}}.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=7}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}

==Military service==
[[File:Reckless with Sgt. Latham.jpg|thumb|Reckless with her primary trainer, Platoon Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Latham]]
In October 1952 Pedersen{{efn|sometimes misspelled as "Pederson"{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Foreword}}}} received permission from [[Colonel]] Eustace P. Smoak to purchase a horse for his platoon.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Pederson needed a pack animal in the mountainous terrain capable of carrying at least nine of the heavy 24-pound shells needed to supply the [[recoilless rifle]]s used by his unit (the Recoilless Rifle Platoon of the [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]]).{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} The day after he received permission, on October 26, 1952,{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} Pedersen, scout Sergeant Willard Berry, and Corporal Philip Carter drove a jeep with a trailer to the Seoul racetrack.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=130-132}} Pedersen paid for the horse with his own money.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=124-125}} Moon was reluctant to sell the horse, though he needed to,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109-113}} and cried when "Flame" departed.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=117}} At first the Marines renamed her "Recoilless", after the primary weapon of the platoon.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}} That changed to "Reckless" after the platoon's nickname, "Reckless Rifles."{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

Her primary trainer and the person Reckless was closest to was platoon [[Gunnery Sergeant]] Joseph Latham.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=120}} Private First Class Monroe Coleman was her primary caretaker.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} In addition to Pedersen, Latham, and Coleman, Lieutenant Bill Riley and Sergeant Elmer Lively were also involved with the training and care of Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} Pedersen had his wife ship a [[pack saddle]] from their home in California so Reckless could fulfill her primary role as a pack animal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=142-143}} The recoilless rifle platoon had its own medical corpsman, Navy Hospitalman First Class George "Doc" Mitchell, who provided the majority of medical care for Reckless.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=120, 161}}

The Marines, especially Latham, taught Reckless battlefield survival skills such as  how not to become entangled in [[barbed wire]] and to lay down when under fire. They called it her "hoof training" and "hoof camp". The horse was initially kept in a pasture near the encampment.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Eventually she developed such a rapport with the troops that she was allowed to freely roam about the camp, and entered tents at will. Reckless had a gentle disposition and was fond of a wide variety of foodstuffs, entertaining the platoon by eating scrambled eggs and drinking [[Coca-Cola]] and beer.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} Food could not be left unattended around her.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She once ate her [[horse blanket]],{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} and on another occasion ate $30 worth of poker chips.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

[[File:Reckless_under_fire.jpg|thumb|left|Reckless under fire in Korea]]
Reckless's baptism under fire came at a place called Hedy's Crotch, near the villages of Changdan and Kwakchan. Though loaded down with recoilless rifle shells, she initially jumped around the first two times the recoilless rilfe was fired, but soon settled down and seemed to take an interest in the operations of the weapon.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=143-144}} When learning a new delivery route, Reckless would only need someone to lead her a few times. Afterwards she would make the trips on her own. Her most significant accomplishment came during the [[Battle of Panmunjom-Vegas]] (also known as the Battle of Outpost Vegas/Vegas Hill) from 26-28 March 1953 when she made 51 solo trips, carrying a total of 386 recoilless rounds (over 9,000 pounds by the end of the battle, carrying 4 to 8 24-pound shells on each trip) covering over 35 miles during one day of the battle. The whole Battle of Vegas lasted 3 days.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172-189}}{{efn|Sometimes erroneously reported as 5 days.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172-189}}}} She was wounded twice during the Battle of Vegas: once when she was hit by shrapnel over the left eye and another time on her left flank.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} There was a standing order not to ride Reckless, but during the Battle of Vegas someone did, and Reckless went on a "joy ride" that included a sprint through a [[minefield]], but she was not injured.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=158}} For her accomplishments during the Battle of Vegas, Reckless was promoted to Corporal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=210}}

[[File:Sgt Reckless with recoilless-rifle.jpg|thumb|Reckless carrying a 75mm recoilless rifle and other gear]]
Reckless became the first horse in the Marine Corps known to have participated in an [[amphibious landing]] when the 5th moved from [[Camp Casey, South Korea|Camp Casey]] to [[Inchon]], planning to participate in amphibious landings hundreds of miles south of Inchon.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} The commanding officer of the transport halted loading operations when he saw the platoon on the dock with Reckless. He refused to take her on board his clean ship,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189-191}} which had won an award for being the cleanest ship in the previous two years.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=191}} However, once the Marines produced the loading plan the ship's commanding officer had approved which specifically listed Reckless and her equipment, she was allowed on board.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189-191}} Once the ship was underway, she became sick, making a mess on the ship's decks during the first part of the voyage. She could not be disembarked due to a storm, but soon became accustomed to the motion of the ship at sea and had no more problems.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} The 1st Marine Division was moved to a rest area soon after the move, and while there some platoon members posed with Reckless and a sign challenging the Thoroughbred [[Native Dancer]] to a race. They called their race the "Paddy Derby" and the field "Upsan Downs." The conditions were: 1.5 miles over paddies and hills, carrying 192 pounds of ammunition, and no riders. The Marines never received a reply. Native Dancer lost the [[Kentucky Derby]], coming in 2nd place, days later, but went on to win the [[Preakness Stakes]] and [[Belmont Stakes]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=191-193}}{{sfn|Baltimore Sun|2013}}

[[Randolph M. Pate]], then the commander of the 1st Marine Division, gave Reckless a [[battlefield promotion]] from Corporal to Sergeant in a formal ceremony, complete with reviewing stand, on April 10, 1954, several months after the war ended.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208-210}} She was also given a red and gold blanket with insignia.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 200-202}} Reckless was promoted again, to Staff Sergeant, on August 31, 1959, at Camp Pendleton, CA. This promotion was also awarded by Pate, who had by then advanced to Commandant of the Marine Corps. Pate personally presided over this promotion ceremony and she was honored with a 19-gun salute with a 1,700-man parade of Marines from her wartime unit.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} She was an early example of an animal holding official rank in a branch of the United States military.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}}

==Retirement==
[[File:Staff Sergeant Reckless.jpg|thumb|Sergeant Reckless getting promoted to Staff Sergeant, 1959]]
For her exemplary service to the Marine Corps, Reckless was awarded two [[Purple Heart]]s (for the wounds received during the Battle of Vegas), a [[Good Conduct Medal (United States)#Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal|Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal]], a [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] with bronze star, the [[National Defense Service Medal]], a [[Korean Service Medal]], the [[United Nations Korea Medal]], a [[Navy Unit Commendation]], and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She would wear these awards on her horse blanket, plus a [[Fourragere|French Fourragere]] that the 5th Marines earned in [[World War I]].{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}

An article in ''The Saturday Evening Post'', published on April 17, 1954 while Reckless was still in Korea,{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} resulted in a campaign by American supporters to get the Marines to bring her to the United States. An executive at Pacific Transport Lines, Stan Coppel, read the article and offered to let Reckless ride free on one of his company's ships from [[Yokohama]] to [[San Francisco]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Prior to her departure for America, a ceremony, including a band, for Reckless' rotation to the United States was held during half time of a football game between the Marine Corps and Army. Reckless left Korea for Japan aboard a [[1st Marine Aircraft Wing]] transport plane.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208-210}} She then sailed from Yokohama on October 22 aboard the ''SS Pacific Transport'', due in San Francisco on November 5, 1954.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} A typhoon delayed the ship's arrival until the evening of November 9th. Reckless and her caretakers stayed aboard until the next morning. Reckless got sick during the storm and was once knocked out of her stall onto the deck by the storm, which happened near the end of the trip.

Reckless's entry into the United States was not without its challenges. The [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|Customs Bureau]] was not much of a problem but the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] insisted a medical check and lab tests be completed before she disembarked from the ship once it reached San Francisco, which would make her late for the Marine banquet where she was to be the guest of honor. The Marines contacted Agriculture Department officials in Washington, D.C. who agreed to allow her off the ship after her blood was drawn for lab tests, with the understanding that if she had [[glanders]] or [[covering sickness|dourine]], she would be destroyed or sent back to Japan. Many of the Marines who actually knew her were incensed at what they considered an affront to her honor when they learned that dourine was an equine sexually transmitted disease.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211-217}} The night before she arrived, she once again ate her blanket, but a new one with ribbons and insignia was made just in time for her disembarkment. She was led off the ship by Lieutenant Pedersen and set foot on American soil in San Francisco on November 10, 1954,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Author's Note, 124}} coincidentally the birthday of the  Marine Corps. For the [[Marine Corps birthday ball|Marine Corps Birthday Ball]] held that day, she rode an elevator, and then ate both cake and the flower decorations.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}

Reckless was kept by Pedersen's family for a brief time before moving to a more permanent home with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. A second article about Reckless appeared in ''The Saturday Evening Post'' on October 22, 1955. These two articles and the book ''Reckless: Pride of the Marines'' (1955) were written by the commander of the 2nd Battalion, [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|Lieutenant Colonel]] Andrew Geer, who kept notes about Reckless during the war.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She made several public appearances, including [[Art Linkletter]]'s show ''[[House Party (radio and TV show)|House Party]]'', but had to cancel an appearance on ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]'' due to the typhoon.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} Ed Sullivan had wanted her to appear on his November 7th show and was willing to pay the costs to get her there right after the scheduled, and delayed, November 5th arrival. Reckless never did appear on Sullivan's show.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211-217}}

[[File:Reckless Rotation Ceremony.png|thumb||left|Sergeant Reckless at her stateside rotation ceremony, 1954. PFC William Moore is holding her. He accompanied her on the trip to America.]]
Reckless was well cared-for and treated as a VIP during her time at Camp Pendleton. The Marine Corps was also careful not to allow her to be exploited by commercial interests.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=223-224}} She produced four [[foal]]s there: [[colt (horse)|colts]] Fearless (1957), Dauntless (1959), and Chesty (1964); her last foal, a filly born circa 1965-1966, died a month after birth and was unnamed.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Giaffo|2013|p=200}} Her offspring Chesty was named after [[Chesty Puller]], one of the few Marines ever allowed to ride Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Puller was a Marine Corps [[Lieutenant general (United States)|Lieutenant General]] and the most decorated United States Marine of all time.{{sfn|Marine Corps News|2013}} Reckless retired from active service with full military honors at Camp Pendleton on November 10, 1960.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She was provided free board and feed in lieu of retirement pay, per Marine Corps documents.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

Reckless developed arthritis in her back as she aged and injured herself on May 13, 1968 by falling into a [[barbed wire]] fence. She died under sedation while her wounds were being treated.{{sfn|Tuscaloosa News|1968}} At the time of her death, she was estimated to be 19 or 20 years old.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} There is a plaque and photo commemorating her at the Camp Pendleton stables.{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} The first race at Aqueduct racetrack, New York, was designated "The Sgt Reckless" on Nov. 10, 1989.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} In 1997, Reckless was listed by one ''LIFE'' magazine as one of America's 100 all-time heroes.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

{{ external media| align = right| width = | image1 = [http://www.wildlifebronzes.com/jocelyn/RECKLESS/go SSGT RECKLESS - Process and progress] slideshow by Jocelyn Russell.}}
A statue by sculptor Jocelyn Russell of Reckless carrying ammunition shells and other combat equipment was unveiled on Friday, July 26, 2013 in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the [[National Museum of the Marine Corps]] on July 26, 2013, one day before the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. There is a lock of her [[tail (horse)|tail hair]] in the base of the statue.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}}

==See also==
*[[Horses in warfare]]

==Notes==
{{notes}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Bartel|2013}}|last=Bartel|first=Bill|title=Marines Honor Equine Comrade From Korean War|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2013/07/marines-honor-equine-comrade-korean-war|date=July 27, 2013|year=2013|newspaper=The Virginian Pilot|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Blackman, Jr.|first=Robert R.|title=President's Notes|journal=Sentinel|publisher=Marine Corps Heritage Foundation|month=Fall-Winter|year=2012|url=http://www.marineheritage.org/2012_Sentinel_online.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Coakley|first=Lesli|title=The four-legged Marine in Korea |journal=Marines|year=1991|month=September|volume=20|issue=9|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105114984?urlappend=%3Bseq=25|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Geer|first=Andrew|title=Reckless, Pride of the Marines|year=1955|publisher=E. P. Dutton|location=New York|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015003928499|year=1955}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Giaffo|first=Lou|title=Gooch's Marines|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mXcTGInloHkC&pg=PA199&lpg=PA199&dq=reckless+huk+moon&source=bl&ots=tJWAXthLx1&sig=-LIFbb-AxuCfaYp0Cf3OJNSSWBA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Fi_0UeiTMeiUjALtjYHABA&ved=0CFoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=reckless%20huk%20moon&f=false|year=2013|publisher=RoseDog Books|location=Pittsburgh, PA|isbn=978-1-4349-3399-7}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Hoffman|first=Nancy Lee White|title=Sgt Reckless: Combat Veteran |journal=[[Leatherneck Magazine]]|year=1992|month=November|volume=75|issue=11|url=http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/sgt-reckless-combat-veteran|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Kilgannon|2012}}|last=Kilgannon|first=Corey|title=Remembering a Beloved Horse and Decorated Marine|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/remembering-a-beloved-horse-and-decorated-marine/?_r=0|date=November 9, 2012|year=2012|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Litalien|first=Dennis|title=Reckless Earns Place in Marine Corps History |journal=Marines|year=1984|volume=13|issue=6|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105112913?urlappend=%3Bseq=30|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Miller|2013}}|last=Miller|first=Joshua Rhett|title=Statue of Korean War Horse Reckless to be Unveiled at Marine museum in Virginia|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/24/statue-korean-war-horse-reckless-to-be-unveiled-at-marine-museum-in-virginia/|publisher=Fox News|date=July 25, 2013|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Equestrian News|2012}}|last=Staff|title=Hoofed Heroine Sgt. Reckless|url=http://theequestriannews.com/2012/11/12/hoofed-heroine-sgt-reckless/|date= November 12, 2012|year=2012|publisher=The Equestrian News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Baltimore Sun|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Native Dancer (1950-1967)|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/preakness-insider-blog/bal-horse-list-0516-native-dancer-19671129,0,3500525.photo|year=2013|publisher=The Baltimore Sun|accessdate=29 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Tuscaloosa News|1968}}|last=Staff|title=Sgt Reckless Dies; Heroic Marine Mare|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19680521&id=WHAfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=M5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6304,4254522|date=May 21, 1968|year=1968|publisher=The Tuscaloosa News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Marine Corps News|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Ultimate Marine (Puller vs Butler)|url=http://marines.dodlive.mil/2013/04/10/ultimate-marine-puller-vs-butler/|date= April 10, 2013|year=2013|publisher=Marine Corps News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite AV media|ref={{sfnRef|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} | date = 8 August 2010| title = Sgt Reckless — Korean War Horse Hero | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 | accessdate = 28 July 2013| time = 0:39-1:29, 2:19-2:45| publisher = sgtreckless.com via Marine Corps archives}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Sergeant Reckless}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z67u5AG6BTM Sergeant Reckless and her foal Fearless at Camp Pendleton]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 Sergeant Reckless - Korean War Horse Hero video]
*[http://news.yahoo.com/video/woodland-man-tells-story-korean-025427310.html Woodland man tells story of Korean war horse, Marine mare]

[[Category:Korean War]]
[[Category:United States Marines]]
[[Category:Warhorses]]

[[la:Sgt Reckless]]

Sergeant Reckless

2013-08-01T14:32:44Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Retirement */ More tweeking - debating moving the section on articles and show appearances into a new section. Thoughts?

{{Infobox named horse
| horsename = Sergeant Reckless
| image = Sgt reckless in pasture.jpg
| caption = Sergeant Reckless in retirement.
| breed = [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] or [[Thoroughbred]] mixed breed
| sire =
| grandsire =
| dam =
| damsire =
| sex = [[Mare]]
| foaled = {{circa|1948}}
| death_date = May 13, 1968
| country = Korea
| color = [[Chestnut (color)|Chestnut]]
| breeder =
| owner = [[United States Marine Corps]]
| record =
| earnings =
| race =
| awards=
| honors =
}}

'''Sergeant Reckless''' was a [[mare]] of [[Mongolian horse]] breeding who joined the [[United States Marine Corps]] in October 1952 as a [[pack horse]], and was eventually promoted to [[Staff Sergeant#United States|Staff Sergeant]] by the [[Commandant of the Marine Corps]] after the [[Korean War]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She is an example of an animal that held official rank in a branch of the United States military. Originally purchased for $250 by a soldier from a Korean boy who needed money to purchase an artificial leg for his sister, she served with the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]], [[1st Marine Division]].{{sfn|Blackman, Jr.|2012|p=4}} in a nine-month military career highlighted by her 51 solo trips supporting multiple front line units in just one day of a multi-day battle in late March 1953.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Her service record was featured in ''[[The Saturday Evening Post]]'' and [[Life (magazine)|''LIFE'' magazine]]. Having received a [[battlefield promotion]] to Sergeant about a month before the war ended in 1953, she was retired and brought to the United States after the war, where she was officially promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1959. She gave birth to four [[foal]]s in America and died in May 1968. A plaque and photo were dedicated in her honor at the [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]] stables and a statue of her was dedicated on July 26, 2013.

==Origins==
Sergeant Reckless's date of birth and parentage are unconfirmed, but she was a [[filly]] estimated to be around three or four years old when she was purchased by members of the United States Marine Corps in October 1952. She was sold to the Marines by her owner, a young Korean stableboy called Kim Huk Moon,{{sfn|Giaffo|2013|p=199}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=23-108}} though that was not his real name.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} The horse was originally named ''{{lang|ko|Ah Chim Hai}}'' in [[Korean language|Korean]],{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=48}} which translates to "Morning Flame" or "Flame-in-the-Morning",{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} reputed to be the name of her [[Glossary of equestrian terms#D|dam]], a [[racehorse]] at the track in [[Seoul]]. Moon sold the horse, whom he had nicknamed "Flame," to Lieutenant Eric Pedersen for $250 in order to buy a leg [[prosthesis]] for his sister, who had stepped on [[land mine]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109-113}} The horse's breeding was thought to be primarily [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] though she did have some features, particularly the shape of her head, that were similar to horses of [[Thoroughbred]] lineage. She was small, standing only {{hands|14}} and weighing {{convert|900|lb|kg}}.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=7}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}

==Military service==
[[File:Reckless with Sgt. Latham.jpg|thumb|Reckless with her primary trainer, Platoon Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Latham]]
In October 1952 Pedersen{{efn|sometimes misspelled as "Pederson"{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Foreword}}}} received permission from [[Colonel]] Eustace P. Smoak to purchase a horse for his platoon.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Pederson needed a pack animal in the mountainous terrain capable of carrying at least nine of the heavy 24-pound shells needed to supply the [[recoilless rifle]]s used by his unit (the Recoilless Rifle Platoon of the [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]]).{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} The day after he received permission, on October 26, 1952,{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} Pedersen, scout Sergeant Willard Berry, and Corporal Philip Carter drove a jeep with a trailer to the Seoul racetrack.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=130-132}} Pedersen paid for the horse with his own money.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=124-125}} Moon was reluctant to sell the horse, though he needed to,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109-113}} and cried when "Flame" departed.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=117}} At first the Marines renamed her "Recoilless", after the primary weapon of the platoon.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}} That changed to "Reckless" after the platoon's nickname, "Reckless Rifles."{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

Her primary trainer and the person Reckless was closest to was platoon [[Gunnery Sergeant]] Joseph Latham.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=120}} Private First Class Monroe Coleman was her primary caretaker.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} In addition to Pedersen, Latham, and Coleman, Lieutenant Bill Riley and Sergeant Elmer Lively were also involved with the training and care of Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} Pedersen had his wife ship a [[pack saddle]] from their home in California so Reckless could fulfill her primary role as a pack animal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=142-143}} The recoilless rifle platoon had its own medical corpsman, Navy Hospitalman First Class George "Doc" Mitchell, who provided the majority of medical care for Reckless.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=120, 161}}

The Marines, especially Latham, taught Reckless battlefield survival skills such as  how not to become entangled in [[barbed wire]] and to lay down when under fire. They called it her "hoof training" and "hoof camp". The horse was initially kept in a pasture near the encampment.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Eventually she developed such a rapport with the troops that she was allowed to freely roam about the camp, and entered tents at will. Reckless had a gentle disposition and was fond of a wide variety of foodstuffs, entertaining the platoon by eating scrambled eggs and drinking [[Coca-Cola]] and beer.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} Food could not be left unattended around her.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She once ate her [[horse blanket]],{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} and on another occasion ate $30 worth of poker chips.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

[[File:Reckless_under_fire.jpg|thumb|left|Reckless under fire in Korea]]
Reckless's baptism under fire came at a place called Hedy's Crotch, near the villages of Changdan and Kwakchan. Though loaded down with recoilless rifle shells, she initially jumped around the first two times the recoilless rilfe was fired, but soon settled down and seemed to take an interest in the operations of the weapon.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=143-144}} When learning a new delivery route, Reckless would only need someone to lead her a few times. Afterwards she would make the trips on her own. Her most significant accomplishment came during the [[Battle of Panmunjom-Vegas]] (also known as the Battle of Outpost Vegas/Vegas Hill) from 26-28 March 1953 when she made 51 solo trips, carrying a total of 386 recoilless rounds (over 9,000 pounds by the end of the battle, carrying 4 to 8 24-pound shells on each trip) covering over 35 miles during one day of the battle. The whole Battle of Vegas lasted 3 days.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172-189}}{{efn|Sometimes erroneously reported as 5 days.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172-189}}}} She was wounded twice during the Battle of Vegas: once when she was hit by shrapnel over the left eye and another time on her left flank.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} There was a standing order not to ride Reckless, but during the Battle of Vegas someone did, and Reckless went on a "joy ride" that included a sprint through a [[minefield]], but she was not injured.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=158}} For her accomplishments during the Battle of Vegas, Reckless was promoted to Corporal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=210}}

[[File:Sgt Reckless with recoilless-rifle.jpg|thumb|Reckless carrying a 75mm recoilless rifle and other gear]]
Reckless became the first horse in the Marine Corps known to have participated in an [[amphibious landing]] when the 5th moved from [[Camp Casey, South Korea|Camp Casey]] to [[Inchon]], planning to participate in amphibious landings hundreds of miles south of Inchon.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} The commanding officer of the transport halted loading operations when he saw the platoon on the dock with Reckless. He refused to take her on board his clean ship,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189-191}} which had won an award for being the cleanest ship in the previous two years.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=191}} However, once the Marines produced the loading plan the ship's commanding officer had approved which specifically listed Reckless and her equipment, she was allowed on board.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189-191}} Once the ship was underway, she became sick, making a mess on the ship's decks during the first part of the voyage. She could not be disembarked due to a storm, but soon became accustomed to the motion of the ship at sea and had no more problems.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} The 1st Marine Division was moved to a rest area soon after the move, and while there some platoon members posed with Reckless and a sign challenging the Thoroughbred [[Native Dancer]] to a race. They called their race the "Paddy Derby" and the field "Upsan Downs." The conditions were: 1.5 miles over paddies and hills, carrying 192 pounds of ammunition, and no riders. The Marines never received a reply. Native Dancer lost the [[Kentucky Derby]], coming in 2nd place, days later, but went on to win the [[Preakness Stakes]] and [[Belmont Stakes]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=191-193}}{{sfn|Baltimore Sun|2013}}

[[Randolph M. Pate]], then the commander of the 1st Marine Division, gave Reckless a [[battlefield promotion]] from Corporal to Sergeant in a formal ceremony, complete with reviewing stand, on April 10, 1954, several months after the war ended.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208-210}} She was also given a red and gold blanket with insignia.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 200-202}} Reckless was promoted again, to Staff Sergeant, on August 31, 1959, at Camp Pendleton, CA. This promotion was also awarded by Pate, who had by then advanced to Commandant of the Marine Corps. Pate personally presided over this promotion ceremony and she was honored with a 19-gun salute with a 1,700-man parade of Marines from her wartime unit.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} She was an early example of an animal holding official rank in a branch of the United States military.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}}

==Retirement==
[[File:Staff Sergeant Reckless.jpg|thumb|Sergeant Reckless getting promoted to Staff Sergeant, 1959]]
For her exemplary service to the Marine Corps, Reckless was awarded two [[Purple Heart]]s (for the wounds received during the Battle of Vegas), a [[Good Conduct Medal (United States)#Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal|Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal]], a [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] with bronze star, the [[National Defense Service Medal]], a [[Korean Service Medal]], the [[United Nations Korea Medal]], a [[Navy Unit Commendation]], and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She would wear these awards on her horse blanket, plus a [[Fourragere|French Fourragere]] that the 5th Marines earned in [[World War I]].{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}

An article in ''The Saturday Evening Post'', published on April 17, 1954 while Reckless was still in Korea,{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} resulted in a campaign by American supporters to get the Marines to bring her to the United States. An executive at Pacific Transport Lines, Stan Coppel, read the article and offered to let Reckless ride free on one of his company's ships from [[Yokohama]] to [[San Francisco]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Prior to her departure for America, a ceremony, including a band, for Reckless' rotation to the United States was held during half time of a football game between the Marine Corps and Army. Reckless left Korea for Japan aboard a [[1st Marine Aircraft Wing]] transport plane.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208-210}} She then sailed from Yokohama on October 22 aboard the ''SS Pacific Transport'', due in San Francisco on November 5, 1954.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} A typhoon delayed the ship's arrival until the evening of November 9th. Reckless and her caretakers stayed aboard until the next morning. Reckless got sick during the storm and was once knocked out of her stall onto the deck by the storm, which happened near the end of the trip.

Reckless's entry into the United States was not without its challenges. The [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|Customs Bureau]] was not much of a problem but the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] insisted a medical check and lab tests be completed before she disembarked from the ship once it reached San Francisco, which would make her late for the Marine banquet where she was to be the guest of honor. The Marines contacted Agriculture Department officials in Washington, D.C. who agreed to allow her off the ship after her blood was drawn for lab tests, with the understanding that if she had [[glanders]] or [[covering sickness|dourine]], she would be destroyed or sent back to Japan. Many of the Marines who actually knew her were incensed at what they considered an affront to her honor when they learned that dourine was an equine sexually transmitted disease.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211-217}} The night before she arrived, she once again ate her blanket, but a new one with ribbons and insignia was made just in time for her disembarkment. She was led off the ship by Lieutenant Pedersen and set foot on American soil in San Francisco on November 10, 1954,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Author's Note, 124}} coincidentally the birthday of the  Marine Corps. For the [[Marine Corps birthday ball|Marine Corps Birthday Ball]] held that day, she rode an elevator, and then ate both cake and the flower decorations.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}

Reckless was kept by Pedersen's family for a brief time before moving to a more permanent home with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. A second article about Reckless appeared in ''The Saturday Evening Post'' on October 22, 1955. These two articles and the book ''Reckless: Pride of the Marines'' (1955) were written by the commander of the 2nd Battalion, [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|Lieutenant Colonel]] Andrew Geer, who kept notes about Reckless during the war.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She made several public appearances, including [[Art Linkletter]]'s show ''[[House Party (radio and TV show)|House Party]]'', but had to cancel an appearance on ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]'' due to the typhoon.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} Ed Sullivan had wanted her to appear on his November 7th show and was willing to pay the costs to get her there right after the scheduled, and delayed, November 5th arrival. Reckless never did appear on Sullivan's show.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211-217}}

[[File:Reckless Rotation Ceremony.png|thumb||left|Sergeant Reckless at her stateside rotation ceremony, 1954. PFC William Moore is holding her. He accompanied her on the trip to America.]]
Reckless was well cared-for and treated as a VIP during her time at Camp Pendleton. The Marine Corps was also careful not to allow her to be exploited by commercial interests.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=223-224}} She produced four [[foal]]s there: [[colt (horse)|colts]] Fearless (1957), Dauntless (1959), and Chesty (1964); her last foal, a filly born circa 1965-1966, died a month after birth and was unnamed.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Giaffo|2013|p=200}} Her offspring Chesty was named after [[Chesty Puller]], one of the few Marines ever allowed to ride Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Puller was a Marine Corps [[Lieutenant general (United States)|Lieutenant General]] and the most decorated United States Marine of all time.{{sfn|Marine Corps News|2013}} Reckless retired from active service with full military honors at Camp Pendleton on November 10, 1960.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She was provided free board and feed in lieu of retirement pay, per Marine Corps documents.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

Reckless developed arthritis in her back as she aged and injured herself on May 13, 1968 by falling into a [[barbed wire]] fence. She died under sedation while her wounds were being treated.{{sfn|Tuscaloosa News|1968}} At the time of her death, she was estimated to be 19 or 20 years old.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} There is a plaque and photo commemorating her at the Camp Pendleton stables.{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} The first race at Aqueduct racetrack, New York, was designated "The Sgt Reckless" on Nov. 10, 1989.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} In 1997, Reckless was listed by one ''LIFE'' magazine as one of America's 100 all-time heroes.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

{{ external media| align = right| width = | image1 = [http://www.wildlifebronzes.com/jocelyn/RECKLESS/go SSGT RECKLESS - Process and progress] slideshow by Jocelyn Russell.}}
A statue by sculptor Jocelyn Russell of Reckless carrying ammunition shells and other combat equipment was unveiled on Friday, July 26, 2013 in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the [[National Museum of the Marine Corps]] on July 26, 2013, one day before the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. There is a lock of her [[tail (horse)|tail hair]] in the base of the statue.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}}

==See also==
*[[Horses in warfare]]

==Notes==
{{notes}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Bartel|2013}}|last=Bartel|first=Bill|title=Marines Honor Equine Comrade From Korean War|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2013/07/marines-honor-equine-comrade-korean-war|date=July 27, 2013|year=2013|newspaper=The Virginian Pilot|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Blackman, Jr.|first=Robert R.|title=President's Notes|journal=Sentinel|publisher=Marine Corps Heritage Foundation|month=Fall-Winter|year=2012|url=http://www.marineheritage.org/2012_Sentinel_online.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Coakley|first=Lesli|title=The four-legged Marine in Korea |journal=Marines|year=1991|month=September|volume=20|issue=9|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105114984?urlappend=%3Bseq=25|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Geer|first=Andrew|title=Reckless, Pride of the Marines|year=1955|publisher=E. P. Dutton|location=New York|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015003928499|year=1955}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Giaffo|first=Lou|title=Gooch's Marines|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mXcTGInloHkC&pg=PA199&lpg=PA199&dq=reckless+huk+moon&source=bl&ots=tJWAXthLx1&sig=-LIFbb-AxuCfaYp0Cf3OJNSSWBA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Fi_0UeiTMeiUjALtjYHABA&ved=0CFoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=reckless%20huk%20moon&f=false|year=2013|publisher=RoseDog Books|location=Pittsburgh, PA|isbn=978-1-4349-3399-7}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Hoffman|first=Nancy Lee White|title=Sgt Reckless: Combat Veteran |journal=[[Leatherneck Magazine]]|year=1992|month=November|volume=75|issue=11|url=http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/sgt-reckless-combat-veteran|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Kilgannon|2012}}|last=Kilgannon|first=Corey|title=Remembering a Beloved Horse and Decorated Marine|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/remembering-a-beloved-horse-and-decorated-marine/?_r=0|date=November 9, 2012|year=2012|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Litalien|first=Dennis|title=Reckless Earns Place in Marine Corps History |journal=Marines|year=1984|volume=13|issue=6|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105112913?urlappend=%3Bseq=30|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Miller|2013}}|last=Miller|first=Joshua Rhett|title=Statue of Korean War Horse Reckless to be Unveiled at Marine museum in Virginia|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/24/statue-korean-war-horse-reckless-to-be-unveiled-at-marine-museum-in-virginia/|publisher=Fox News|date=July 25, 2013|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Equestrian News|2012}}|last=Staff|title=Hoofed Heroine Sgt. Reckless|url=http://theequestriannews.com/2012/11/12/hoofed-heroine-sgt-reckless/|date= November 12, 2012|year=2012|publisher=The Equestrian News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Baltimore Sun|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Native Dancer (1950-1967)|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/preakness-insider-blog/bal-horse-list-0516-native-dancer-19671129,0,3500525.photo|year=2013|publisher=The Baltimore Sun|accessdate=29 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Tuscaloosa News|1968}}|last=Staff|title=Sgt Reckless Dies; Heroic Marine Mare|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19680521&id=WHAfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=M5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6304,4254522|date=May 21, 1968|year=1968|publisher=The Tuscaloosa News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Marine Corps News|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Ultimate Marine (Puller vs Butler)|url=http://marines.dodlive.mil/2013/04/10/ultimate-marine-puller-vs-butler/|date= April 10, 2013|year=2013|publisher=Marine Corps News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite AV media|ref={{sfnRef|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} | date = 8 August 2010| title = Sgt Reckless — Korean War Horse Hero | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 | accessdate = 28 July 2013| time = 0:39-1:29, 2:19-2:45| publisher = sgtreckless.com via Marine Corps archives}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Sergeant Reckless}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z67u5AG6BTM Sergeant Reckless and her foal Fearless at Camp Pendleton]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 Sergeant Reckless - Korean War Horse Hero video]
*[http://news.yahoo.com/video/woodland-man-tells-story-korean-025427310.html Woodland man tells story of Korean war horse, Marine mare]

[[Category:Korean War]]
[[Category:United States Marines]]
[[Category:Warhorses]]

[[la:Sgt Reckless]]

Sergeant Reckless

2013-08-01T14:08:54Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Retirement */ More tweeks

{{Infobox named horse
| horsename = Sergeant Reckless
| image = Sgt reckless in pasture.jpg
| caption = Sergeant Reckless in retirement.
| breed = [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] or [[Thoroughbred]] mixed breed
| sire =
| grandsire =
| dam =
| damsire =
| sex = [[Mare]]
| foaled = {{circa|1948}}
| death_date = May 13, 1968
| country = Korea
| color = [[Chestnut (color)|Chestnut]]
| breeder =
| owner = [[United States Marine Corps]]
| record =
| earnings =
| race =
| awards=
| honors =
}}

'''Sergeant Reckless''' was a [[mare]] of [[Mongolian horse]] breeding who joined the [[United States Marine Corps]] in October 1952 as a [[pack horse]], and was eventually promoted to [[Staff Sergeant#United States|Staff Sergeant]] by the [[Commandant of the Marine Corps]] after the [[Korean War]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She is an example of an animal that held official rank in a branch of the United States military. Originally purchased for $250 by a soldier from a Korean boy who needed money to purchase an artificial leg for his sister, she served with the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]], [[1st Marine Division]].{{sfn|Blackman, Jr.|2012|p=4}} in a nine-month military career highlighted by her 51 solo trips supporting multiple front line units in just one day of a multi-day battle in late March 1953.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Her service record was featured in ''[[The Saturday Evening Post]]'' and [[Life (magazine)|''LIFE'' magazine]]. Having received a [[battlefield promotion]] to Sergeant about a month before the war ended in 1953, she was retired and brought to the United States after the war, where she was officially promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1959. She gave birth to four [[foal]]s in America and died in May 1968. A plaque and photo were dedicated in her honor at the [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]] stables and a statue of her was dedicated on July 26, 2013.

==Origins==
Sergeant Reckless's date of birth and parentage are unconfirmed, but she was a [[filly]] estimated to be around three or four years old when she was purchased by members of the United States Marine Corps in October 1952. She was sold to the Marines by her owner, a young Korean stableboy called Kim Huk Moon,{{sfn|Giaffo|2013|p=199}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=23-108}} though that was not his real name.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} The horse was originally named ''{{lang|ko|Ah Chim Hai}}'' in [[Korean language|Korean]],{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=48}} which translates to "Morning Flame" or "Flame-in-the-Morning",{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} reputed to be the name of her [[Glossary of equestrian terms#D|dam]], a [[racehorse]] at the track in [[Seoul]]. Moon sold the horse, whom he had nicknamed "Flame," to Lieutenant Eric Pedersen for $250 in order to buy a leg [[prosthesis]] for his sister, who had stepped on [[land mine]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109-113}} The horse's breeding was thought to be primarily [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] though she did have some features, particularly the shape of her head, that were similar to horses of [[Thoroughbred]] lineage. She was small, standing only {{hands|14}} and weighing {{convert|900|lb|kg}}.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=7}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}

==Military service==
[[File:Reckless with Sgt. Latham.jpg|thumb|Reckless with her primary trainer, Platoon Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Latham]]
In October 1952 Pedersen{{efn|sometimes misspelled as "Pederson"{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Foreword}}}} received permission from [[Colonel]] Eustace P. Smoak to purchase a horse for his platoon.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Pederson needed a pack animal in the mountainous terrain capable of carrying at least nine of the heavy 24-pound shells needed to supply the [[recoilless rifle]]s used by his unit (the Recoilless Rifle Platoon of the [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]]).{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} The day after he received permission, on October 26, 1952,{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} Pedersen, scout Sergeant Willard Berry, and Corporal Philip Carter drove a jeep with a trailer to the Seoul racetrack.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=130-132}} Pedersen paid for the horse with his own money.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=124-125}} Moon was reluctant to sell the horse, though he needed to,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109-113}} and cried when "Flame" departed.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=117}} At first the Marines renamed her "Recoilless", after the primary weapon of the platoon.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}} That changed to "Reckless" after the platoon's nickname, "Reckless Rifles."{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

Her primary trainer and the person Reckless was closest to was platoon [[Gunnery Sergeant]] Joseph Latham.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=120}} Private First Class Monroe Coleman was her primary caretaker.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} In addition to Pedersen, Latham, and Coleman, Lieutenant Bill Riley and Sergeant Elmer Lively were also involved with the training and care of Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} Pedersen had his wife ship a [[pack saddle]] from their home in California so Reckless could fulfill her primary role as a pack animal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=142-143}} The recoilless rifle platoon had its own medical corpsman, Navy Hospitalman First Class George "Doc" Mitchell, who provided the majority of medical care for Reckless.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=120, 161}}

The Marines, especially Latham, taught Reckless battlefield survival skills such as  how not to become entangled in [[barbed wire]] and to lay down when under fire. They called it her "hoof training" and "hoof camp". The horse was initially kept in a pasture near the encampment.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Eventually she developed such a rapport with the troops that she was allowed to freely roam about the camp, and entered tents at will. Reckless had a gentle disposition and was fond of a wide variety of foodstuffs, entertaining the platoon by eating scrambled eggs and drinking [[Coca-Cola]] and beer.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} Food could not be left unattended around her.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She once ate her [[horse blanket]],{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} and on another occasion ate $30 worth of poker chips.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

[[File:Reckless_under_fire.jpg|thumb|left|Reckless under fire in Korea]]
Reckless's baptism under fire came at a place called Hedy's Crotch, near the villages of Changdan and Kwakchan. Though loaded down with recoilless rifle shells, she initially jumped around the first two times the recoilless rilfe was fired, but soon settled down and seemed to take an interest in the operations of the weapon.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=143-144}} When learning a new delivery route, Reckless would only need someone to lead her a few times. Afterwards she would make the trips on her own. Her most significant accomplishment came during the [[Battle of Panmunjom-Vegas]] (also known as the Battle of Outpost Vegas/Vegas Hill) from 26-28 March 1953 when she made 51 solo trips, carrying a total of 386 recoilless rounds (over 9,000 pounds by the end of the battle, carrying 4 to 8 24-pound shells on each trip) covering over 35 miles during one day of the battle. The whole Battle of Vegas lasted 3 days.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172-189}}{{efn|Sometimes erroneously reported as 5 days.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172-189}}}} She was wounded twice during the Battle of Vegas: once when she was hit by shrapnel over the left eye and another time on her left flank.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} There was a standing order not to ride Reckless, but during the Battle of Vegas someone did, and Reckless went on a "joy ride" that included a sprint through a [[minefield]], but she was not injured.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=158}} For her accomplishments during the Battle of Vegas, Reckless was promoted to Corporal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=210}}

[[File:Sgt Reckless with recoilless-rifle.jpg|thumb|Reckless carrying a 75mm recoilless rifle and other gear]]
Reckless became the first horse in the Marine Corps known to have participated in an [[amphibious landing]] when the 5th moved from [[Camp Casey, South Korea|Camp Casey]] to [[Inchon]], planning to participate in amphibious landings hundreds of miles south of Inchon.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} The commanding officer of the transport halted loading operations when he saw the platoon on the dock with Reckless. He refused to take her on board his clean ship,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189-191}} which had won an award for being the cleanest ship in the previous two years.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=191}} However, once the Marines produced the loading plan the ship's commanding officer had approved which specifically listed Reckless and her equipment, she was allowed on board.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189-191}} Once the ship was underway, she became sick, making a mess on the ship's decks during the first part of the voyage. She could not be disembarked due to a storm, but soon became accustomed to the motion of the ship at sea and had no more problems.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} The 1st Marine Division was moved to a rest area soon after the move, and while there some platoon members posed with Reckless and a sign challenging the Thoroughbred [[Native Dancer]] to a race. They called their race the "Paddy Derby" and the field "Upsan Downs." The conditions were: 1.5 miles over paddies and hills, carrying 192 pounds of ammunition, and no riders. The Marines never received a reply. Native Dancer lost the [[Kentucky Derby]], coming in 2nd place, days later, but went on to win the [[Preakness Stakes]] and [[Belmont Stakes]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=191-193}}{{sfn|Baltimore Sun|2013}}

[[Randolph M. Pate]], then the commander of the 1st Marine Division, gave Reckless a [[battlefield promotion]] from Corporal to Sergeant in a formal ceremony, complete with reviewing stand, on April 10, 1954, several months after the war ended.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208-210}} She was also given a red and gold blanket with insignia.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 200-202}} Reckless was promoted again, to Staff Sergeant, on August 31, 1959, at Camp Pendleton, CA. This promotion was also awarded by Pate, who had by then advanced to Commandant of the Marine Corps. Pate personally presided over this promotion ceremony and she was honored with a 19-gun salute with a 1,700-man parade of Marines from her wartime unit.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} She was an early example of an animal holding official rank in a branch of the United States military.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}}

==Retirement==
[[File:Staff Sergeant Reckless.jpg|thumb|Sergeant Reckless getting promoted to Staff Sergeant, 1959]]
For her exemplary service to the Marine Corps, Reckless was awarded two [[Purple Heart]]s (for the wounds received during the Battle of Vegas), a [[Good Conduct Medal (United States)#Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal|Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal]], a [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] with bronze star, the [[National Defense Service Medal]], a [[Korean Service Medal]], the [[United Nations Korea Medal]], a [[Navy Unit Commendation]], and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She would wear these awards on her horse blanket, plus a [[Fourragere|French Fourragere]] that the 5th Marines earned in [[World War I]].{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}

An article in ''The Saturday Evening Post'', published on April 17, 1954 while Reckless was still in Korea,{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} resulted in a campaign by American supporters to get the Marines to bring her to the United States. An executive at Pacific Transport Lines, Stan Coppel, read the article and offered to let Reckless ride free on one of his company's ships from [[Yokohama]] to [[San Francisco]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Prior to her departure for America, a ceremony, including a band, for Reckless' rotation to the United States was held during half time of a football game between the Marine Corps and Army. Reckless left Korea for Japan aboard a [[1st Marine Aircraft Wing]] transport plane.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208-210}} She then sailed from Yokohama on October 22 aboard the ''SS Pacific Transport'', due in San Francisco on November 5, 1954.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} A typhoon delayed the ship's arrival until the evening of November 9th. Reckless and her caretakers stayed aboard until the next morning. Reckless got sick during the storm and was once knocked out of her stall onto the deck by the storm, which happened near the end of the trip. The [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|Customs Bureau]] was not much of a problem but the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] insisted a medical check and lab tests be completed before she disembarked from the ship once it reached San Francisco, which would make her late for the Marine banquet where she was to be the guest of honor. The Marines contacted Agriculture Department officials in Washington, D.C. who agreed to allow her off the ship after her blood was drawn for lab tests, with the understanding that if she had [[glanders]] or [[covering sickness|dourine]], she would be destroyed or sent back to Japan. Many of the Marines who actually knew her were incensed at what they considered an affront to her honor when they learned that dourine was an equine sexually transmitted disease.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211-217}} She was led off the ship by Lieutenant Pedersen and set foot on American soil in San Francisco on November 10, 1954,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Author's Note, 124}} coincidentally the birthday of the  Marine Corps. The night before she arrived, she once again ate her blanket, but a new one with ribbons and insignia was made just in time for her disembarkment. For the Marine Corps "Birthday Ball" held that day, she rode an elevator, and then ate both cake and the flower decorations.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Reckless went to live with Pedersen's family for a brief time before moving to live with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. A second article about Reckless appeared in ''The Saturday Evening Post'' on October 22, 1955. These two articles and the book ''Reckless: Pride of the Marines'' (1955) were written by the commander of the 2nd Battalion, [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|Lieutenant Colonel]] Andrew Geer, who kept notes about Reckless during the war.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She made several public appearances, including [[Art Linkletter]]'s show ''[[House Party (radio and TV show)|House Party]]'', but had to cancel an appearance on ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]'' due to the typhoon.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} Ed Sullivan had wanted her to appear on his November 7th show and was willing to pay the costs to get her there right after the scheduled, and delayed, November 5th arrival. Reckless never did appear on Sullivan's show.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211-217}}

[[File:Reckless Rotation Ceremony.png|thumb||left|Sergeant Reckless at her stateside rotation ceremony, 1954. PFC William Moore is holding her. He accompanied her on the trip to America.]]
Reckless was well cared-for and treated as a VIP while she was at Camp Pendleton. The Marine Corps was also careful not to allow her to be taken advantage of by commercial interests.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=223-224}} She produced four [[foal]]s there: [[colt (horse)|colts]] Fearless (1957), Dauntless (1959), and Chesty (1964); her last foal, a filly born circa 1965-1966, died a month after birth and was unnamed.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Giaffo|2013|p=200}} Her offspring Chesty was named after [[Chesty Puller]], one of the few Marines ever allowed to ride Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Puller was a Marine Corps [[Lieutenant general (United States)|Lieutenant General]] and the most decorated United States Marine of all time.{{sfn|Marine Corps News|2013}} Reckless retired from active service with full military honors at Camp Pendleton on November 10, 1960.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She was provided free board and feed in lieu of retirement pay, per Marine Corps documents.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

Reckless developed arthritis in her back as she aged and injured herself on May 13, 1968 by falling into a [[barbed wire]] fence. She died under sedation while her wounds were being treated.{{sfn|Tuscaloosa News|1968}} At the time of her death, she was estimated to be 19 or 20 years old.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} There is a plaque and photo commemorating her at the Camp Pendleton stables.{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} The first race at Aqueduct racetrack, New York, was designated "The Sgt Reckless" on Nov. 10, 1989.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} In 1997, Reckless was listed by one ''LIFE'' magazine as one of America's 100 all-time heroes.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

{{ external media| align = right| width = | image1 = [http://www.wildlifebronzes.com/jocelyn/RECKLESS/go SSGT RECKLESS - Process and progress] slideshow by Jocelyn Russell.}}
A statue by sculptor Jocelyn Russell of Reckless carrying ammunition shells and other combat equipment was unveiled on Friday, July 26, 2013 in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the [[National Museum of the Marine Corps]] on July 26, 2013, one day before the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. There is a lock of her [[tail (horse)|tail hair]] in the base of the statue.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}}

==See also==
*[[Horses in warfare]]

==Notes==
{{notes}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Bartel|2013}}|last=Bartel|first=Bill|title=Marines Honor Equine Comrade From Korean War|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2013/07/marines-honor-equine-comrade-korean-war|date=July 27, 2013|year=2013|newspaper=The Virginian Pilot|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Blackman, Jr.|first=Robert R.|title=President's Notes|journal=Sentinel|publisher=Marine Corps Heritage Foundation|month=Fall-Winter|year=2012|url=http://www.marineheritage.org/2012_Sentinel_online.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Coakley|first=Lesli|title=The four-legged Marine in Korea |journal=Marines|year=1991|month=September|volume=20|issue=9|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105114984?urlappend=%3Bseq=25|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Geer|first=Andrew|title=Reckless, Pride of the Marines|year=1955|publisher=E. P. Dutton|location=New York|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015003928499|year=1955}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Giaffo|first=Lou|title=Gooch's Marines|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mXcTGInloHkC&pg=PA199&lpg=PA199&dq=reckless+huk+moon&source=bl&ots=tJWAXthLx1&sig=-LIFbb-AxuCfaYp0Cf3OJNSSWBA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Fi_0UeiTMeiUjALtjYHABA&ved=0CFoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=reckless%20huk%20moon&f=false|year=2013|publisher=RoseDog Books|location=Pittsburgh, PA|isbn=978-1-4349-3399-7}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Hoffman|first=Nancy Lee White|title=Sgt Reckless: Combat Veteran |journal=[[Leatherneck Magazine]]|year=1992|month=November|volume=75|issue=11|url=http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/sgt-reckless-combat-veteran|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Kilgannon|2012}}|last=Kilgannon|first=Corey|title=Remembering a Beloved Horse and Decorated Marine|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/remembering-a-beloved-horse-and-decorated-marine/?_r=0|date=November 9, 2012|year=2012|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Litalien|first=Dennis|title=Reckless Earns Place in Marine Corps History |journal=Marines|year=1984|volume=13|issue=6|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105112913?urlappend=%3Bseq=30|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Miller|2013}}|last=Miller|first=Joshua Rhett|title=Statue of Korean War Horse Reckless to be Unveiled at Marine museum in Virginia|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/24/statue-korean-war-horse-reckless-to-be-unveiled-at-marine-museum-in-virginia/|publisher=Fox News|date=July 25, 2013|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Equestrian News|2012}}|last=Staff|title=Hoofed Heroine Sgt. Reckless|url=http://theequestriannews.com/2012/11/12/hoofed-heroine-sgt-reckless/|date= November 12, 2012|year=2012|publisher=The Equestrian News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Baltimore Sun|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Native Dancer (1950-1967)|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/preakness-insider-blog/bal-horse-list-0516-native-dancer-19671129,0,3500525.photo|year=2013|publisher=The Baltimore Sun|accessdate=29 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Tuscaloosa News|1968}}|last=Staff|title=Sgt Reckless Dies; Heroic Marine Mare|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19680521&id=WHAfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=M5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6304,4254522|date=May 21, 1968|year=1968|publisher=The Tuscaloosa News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Marine Corps News|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Ultimate Marine (Puller vs Butler)|url=http://marines.dodlive.mil/2013/04/10/ultimate-marine-puller-vs-butler/|date= April 10, 2013|year=2013|publisher=Marine Corps News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite AV media|ref={{sfnRef|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} | date = 8 August 2010| title = Sgt Reckless — Korean War Horse Hero | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 | accessdate = 28 July 2013| time = 0:39-1:29, 2:19-2:45| publisher = sgtreckless.com via Marine Corps archives}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Sergeant Reckless}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z67u5AG6BTM Sergeant Reckless and her foal Fearless at Camp Pendleton]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 Sergeant Reckless - Korean War Horse Hero video]
*[http://news.yahoo.com/video/woodland-man-tells-story-korean-025427310.html Woodland man tells story of Korean war horse, Marine mare]

[[Category:Korean War]]
[[Category:United States Marines]]
[[Category:Warhorses]]

[[la:Sgt Reckless]]

Sergeant Reckless

2013-08-01T14:00:58Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Military service */ Some wording tweeks and capitalization changes.

{{Infobox named horse
| horsename = Sergeant Reckless
| image = Sgt reckless in pasture.jpg
| caption = Sergeant Reckless in retirement.
| breed = [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] or [[Thoroughbred]] mixed breed
| sire =
| grandsire =
| dam =
| damsire =
| sex = [[Mare]]
| foaled = {{circa|1948}}
| death_date = May 13, 1968
| country = Korea
| color = [[Chestnut (color)|Chestnut]]
| breeder =
| owner = [[United States Marine Corps]]
| record =
| earnings =
| race =
| awards=
| honors =
}}

'''Sergeant Reckless''' was a [[mare]] of [[Mongolian horse]] breeding who joined the [[United States Marine Corps]] in October 1952 as a [[pack horse]], and was eventually promoted to [[Staff Sergeant#United States|Staff Sergeant]] by the [[Commandant of the Marine Corps]] after the [[Korean War]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She is an example of an animal that held official rank in a branch of the United States military. Originally purchased for $250 by a soldier from a Korean boy who needed money to purchase an artificial leg for his sister, she served with the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]], [[1st Marine Division]].{{sfn|Blackman, Jr.|2012|p=4}} in a nine-month military career highlighted by her 51 solo trips supporting multiple front line units in just one day of a multi-day battle in late March 1953.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Her service record was featured in ''[[The Saturday Evening Post]]'' and [[Life (magazine)|''LIFE'' magazine]]. Having received a [[battlefield promotion]] to Sergeant about a month before the war ended in 1953, she was retired and brought to the United States after the war, where she was officially promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1959. She gave birth to four [[foal]]s in America and died in May 1968. A plaque and photo were dedicated in her honor at the [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]] stables and a statue of her was dedicated on July 26, 2013.

==Origins==
Sergeant Reckless's date of birth and parentage are unconfirmed, but she was a [[filly]] estimated to be around three or four years old when she was purchased by members of the United States Marine Corps in October 1952. She was sold to the Marines by her owner, a young Korean stableboy called Kim Huk Moon,{{sfn|Giaffo|2013|p=199}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=23-108}} though that was not his real name.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} The horse was originally named ''{{lang|ko|Ah Chim Hai}}'' in [[Korean language|Korean]],{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=48}} which translates to "Morning Flame" or "Flame-in-the-Morning",{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} reputed to be the name of her [[Glossary of equestrian terms#D|dam]], a [[racehorse]] at the track in [[Seoul]]. Moon sold the horse, whom he had nicknamed "Flame," to Lieutenant Eric Pedersen for $250 in order to buy a leg [[prosthesis]] for his sister, who had stepped on [[land mine]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109-113}} The horse's breeding was thought to be primarily [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] though she did have some features, particularly the shape of her head, that were similar to horses of [[Thoroughbred]] lineage. She was small, standing only {{hands|14}} and weighing {{convert|900|lb|kg}}.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=7}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}

==Military service==
[[File:Reckless with Sgt. Latham.jpg|thumb|Reckless with her primary trainer, Platoon Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Latham]]
In October 1952 Pedersen{{efn|sometimes misspelled as "Pederson"{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Foreword}}}} received permission from [[Colonel]] Eustace P. Smoak to purchase a horse for his platoon.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Pederson needed a pack animal in the mountainous terrain capable of carrying at least nine of the heavy 24-pound shells needed to supply the [[recoilless rifle]]s used by his unit (the Recoilless Rifle Platoon of the [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]]).{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} The day after he received permission, on October 26, 1952,{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} Pedersen, scout Sergeant Willard Berry, and Corporal Philip Carter drove a jeep with a trailer to the Seoul racetrack.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=130-132}} Pedersen paid for the horse with his own money.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=124-125}} Moon was reluctant to sell the horse, though he needed to,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109-113}} and cried when "Flame" departed.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=117}} At first the Marines renamed her "Recoilless", after the primary weapon of the platoon.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}} That changed to "Reckless" after the platoon's nickname, "Reckless Rifles."{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

Her primary trainer and the person Reckless was closest to was platoon [[Gunnery Sergeant]] Joseph Latham.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=120}} Private First Class Monroe Coleman was her primary caretaker.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} In addition to Pedersen, Latham, and Coleman, Lieutenant Bill Riley and Sergeant Elmer Lively were also involved with the training and care of Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} Pedersen had his wife ship a [[pack saddle]] from their home in California so Reckless could fulfill her primary role as a pack animal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=142-143}} The recoilless rifle platoon had its own medical corpsman, Navy Hospitalman First Class George "Doc" Mitchell, who provided the majority of medical care for Reckless.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=120, 161}}

The Marines, especially Latham, taught Reckless battlefield survival skills such as  how not to become entangled in [[barbed wire]] and to lay down when under fire. They called it her "hoof training" and "hoof camp". The horse was initially kept in a pasture near the encampment.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Eventually she developed such a rapport with the troops that she was allowed to freely roam about the camp, and entered tents at will. Reckless had a gentle disposition and was fond of a wide variety of foodstuffs, entertaining the platoon by eating scrambled eggs and drinking [[Coca-Cola]] and beer.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} Food could not be left unattended around her.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She once ate her [[horse blanket]],{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} and on another occasion ate $30 worth of poker chips.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

[[File:Reckless_under_fire.jpg|thumb|left|Reckless under fire in Korea]]
Reckless's baptism under fire came at a place called Hedy's Crotch, near the villages of Changdan and Kwakchan. Though loaded down with recoilless rifle shells, she initially jumped around the first two times the recoilless rilfe was fired, but soon settled down and seemed to take an interest in the operations of the weapon.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=143-144}} When learning a new delivery route, Reckless would only need someone to lead her a few times. Afterwards she would make the trips on her own. Her most significant accomplishment came during the [[Battle of Panmunjom-Vegas]] (also known as the Battle of Outpost Vegas/Vegas Hill) from 26-28 March 1953 when she made 51 solo trips, carrying a total of 386 recoilless rounds (over 9,000 pounds by the end of the battle, carrying 4 to 8 24-pound shells on each trip) covering over 35 miles during one day of the battle. The whole Battle of Vegas lasted 3 days.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172-189}}{{efn|Sometimes erroneously reported as 5 days.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172-189}}}} She was wounded twice during the Battle of Vegas: once when she was hit by shrapnel over the left eye and another time on her left flank.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} There was a standing order not to ride Reckless, but during the Battle of Vegas someone did, and Reckless went on a "joy ride" that included a sprint through a [[minefield]], but she was not injured.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=158}} For her accomplishments during the Battle of Vegas, Reckless was promoted to Corporal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=210}}

[[File:Sgt Reckless with recoilless-rifle.jpg|thumb|Reckless carrying a 75mm recoilless rifle and other gear]]
Reckless became the first horse in the Marine Corps known to have participated in an [[amphibious landing]] when the 5th moved from [[Camp Casey, South Korea|Camp Casey]] to [[Inchon]], planning to participate in amphibious landings hundreds of miles south of Inchon.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} The commanding officer of the transport halted loading operations when he saw the platoon on the dock with Reckless. He refused to take her on board his clean ship,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189-191}} which had won an award for being the cleanest ship in the previous two years.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=191}} However, once the Marines produced the loading plan the ship's commanding officer had approved which specifically listed Reckless and her equipment, she was allowed on board.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189-191}} Once the ship was underway, she became sick, making a mess on the ship's decks during the first part of the voyage. She could not be disembarked due to a storm, but soon became accustomed to the motion of the ship at sea and had no more problems.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} The 1st Marine Division was moved to a rest area soon after the move, and while there some platoon members posed with Reckless and a sign challenging the Thoroughbred [[Native Dancer]] to a race. They called their race the "Paddy Derby" and the field "Upsan Downs." The conditions were: 1.5 miles over paddies and hills, carrying 192 pounds of ammunition, and no riders. The Marines never received a reply. Native Dancer lost the [[Kentucky Derby]], coming in 2nd place, days later, but went on to win the [[Preakness Stakes]] and [[Belmont Stakes]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=191-193}}{{sfn|Baltimore Sun|2013}}

[[Randolph M. Pate]], then the commander of the 1st Marine Division, gave Reckless a [[battlefield promotion]] from Corporal to Sergeant in a formal ceremony, complete with reviewing stand, on April 10, 1954, several months after the war ended.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208-210}} She was also given a red and gold blanket with insignia.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 200-202}} Reckless was promoted again, to Staff Sergeant, on August 31, 1959, at Camp Pendleton, CA. This promotion was also awarded by Pate, who had by then advanced to Commandant of the Marine Corps. Pate personally presided over this promotion ceremony and she was honored with a 19-gun salute with a 1,700-man parade of Marines from her wartime unit.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} She was an early example of an animal holding official rank in a branch of the United States military.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}}

==Retirement==
[[File:Staff Sergeant Reckless.jpg|thumb|Sergeant Reckless getting promoted to Staff Sergeant, 1959]]
For her exemplary service to the Marine Corps, Reckless was awarded two [[Purple Heart]]s, a [[Good Conduct Medal (United States)#Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal|Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal]], a [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] with bronze star, the [[National Defense Service Medal]], a [[Korean Service Medal]], the [[United Nations Korea Medal]], a [[Navy Unit Commendation]], and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She would wear these awards on her horse blanket, plus a [[Fourragere|French Fourragere]] that the 5th Marines earned in [[World War I]].{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}

An article in ''The Saturday Evening Post'', published on April 17, 1954 while Reckless was still in Korea,{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} resulted in a campaign by American supporters to get the Marines to bring her to the United States. An executive at Pacific Transport Lines, Stan Coppel, read the article and offered to let Reckless ride free on one of his company's ships from [[Yokohama]] to [[San Francisco]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Prior to her departure for America, a ceremony, including a band, for Reckless' rotation to the United States was held during half time of a football game between the Marine Corps and Army. Reckless left Korea for Japan aboard a [[1st Marine Aircraft Wing]] transport plane.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208-210}} She then sailed from Yokohama on October 22 aboard the ''SS Pacific Transport'', due in San Francisco on November 5, 1954.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} A typhoon delayed the ship's arrival until the evening of November 9th. Reckless and her caretakers stayed aboard til the next morning. Reckless got sick during the storm and was once knocked out of her stall onto the deck by the storm, which happened near the end of the trip. The [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|Customs Bureau]] was not much of a problem but the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] insisted a medical check and lab tests be completed before she disembarked from the ship once it reached San Francisco, which would make her late for the Marine banquet where she was to be the guest of honor. The Marines contacted Agriculture Department officials in Washington, D.C. who agreed to allow her off the ship after her blood was drawn for lab tests, with the understanding that if she had [[glanders]] or [[covering sickness|dourine]], she would be destroyed or sent back to Japan. Many of the Marines who actually knew her were incensed at the affront to her honor, when they learned that dourine was an equine sexually transmitted disease.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211-217}} She was led off the ship by Lieutenant Pedersen and set foot on American soil in San Francisco on November 10, 1954,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Author's Note, 124}} which is also the birthday of the  Marine Corps. The night before she arrived, she once again ate her blanket, but a new one with ribbons and insignia was made just in time for her disembarkment. For the Marine birthday party that day, she rode an elevator, and then ate both cake and the flower decorations.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Reckless went to live with Pedersen's family for a brief time before moving to live with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. A second article about Reckless appeared in ''The Saturday Evening Post'' on October 22, 1955. These two articles and the book ''Reckless: Pride of the Marines'' (1955) were written by the commander of the 2nd Battalion, [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|Lieutenant Colonel]] Andrew Geer, who kept notes about Reckless during the war.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She made several public appearances, including [[Art Linkletter]]'s show ''[[House Party (radio and TV show)|House Party]]'', but had to cancel an appearance on ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]'' due to the typhoon.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} Ed Sullivan had wanted her to appear on his November 7th show and was willing to pay the costs to get her there right after the scheduled, and delayed, November 5th arrival. Reckless never did appear on Sullivan's show.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211-217}}

[[File:Reckless Rotation Ceremony.png|thumb||left|Sergeant Reckless at her stateside rotation ceremony, 1954. PFC William Moore is holding her. He accompanied her on the trip to America.]]
Reckless was treated with great care and treated as a VIP while she was at Camp Pendleton and the Marine Corps was careful not to allow her to be taken advantage of by commercial interests.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=223-224}} She produced four [[foal]]s there: [[colt (horse)|colts]] Fearless (1957), Dauntless (1959), and Chesty (1964), and her last foal, a filly born circa 1965-1966, which died a month after birth and was unnamed.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Giaffo|2013|p=200}} Her offspring Chesty was named after [[Chesty Puller]], one of the few Marines ever allowed to ride Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Puller was a Marine Corps [[Lieutenant general (United States)|Lieutenant General]] and the most decorated United States Marine of all time.{{sfn|Marine Corps News|2013}} Reckless retired from active service with full military honors at Camp Pendleton on November 10, 1960.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She was provided free board and feed in lieu of retirement pay, per Marine Corps documents.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

Reckless developed arthritis in her back as she aged and injured herself on May 13, 1968 by falling into a [[barbed wire]] fence. She died under sedation while her wounds were being treated.{{sfn|Tuscaloosa News|1968}} At the time of her death, she was estimated to be 19 or 20 years old.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} There is a plaque and photo commemorating her at the Camp Pendleton stables.{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} The first race at Aqueduct racetrack, New York, was designated "The Sgt Reckless" on Nov. 10, 1989.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} In 1997, Reckless was listed by one ''LIFE'' magazine as one of America's 100 all-time heroes.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

{{ external media| align = right| width = | image1 = [http://www.wildlifebronzes.com/jocelyn/RECKLESS/go SSGT RECKLESS - Process and progress] slideshow by Jocelyn Russell.}}
A statue by sculptor Jocelyn Russell of Reckless carrying ammunition shells and other combat equipment was unveiled on Friday, July 26, 2013 in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the [[National Museum of the Marine Corps]] on July 26, 2013, one day before the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. There is a lock of her [[tail (horse)|tail hair]] in the base of the statue.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}}

==See also==
*[[Horses in warfare]]

==Notes==
{{notes}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Bartel|2013}}|last=Bartel|first=Bill|title=Marines Honor Equine Comrade From Korean War|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2013/07/marines-honor-equine-comrade-korean-war|date=July 27, 2013|year=2013|newspaper=The Virginian Pilot|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Blackman, Jr.|first=Robert R.|title=President's Notes|journal=Sentinel|publisher=Marine Corps Heritage Foundation|month=Fall-Winter|year=2012|url=http://www.marineheritage.org/2012_Sentinel_online.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Coakley|first=Lesli|title=The four-legged Marine in Korea |journal=Marines|year=1991|month=September|volume=20|issue=9|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105114984?urlappend=%3Bseq=25|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Geer|first=Andrew|title=Reckless, Pride of the Marines|year=1955|publisher=E. P. Dutton|location=New York|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015003928499|year=1955}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Giaffo|first=Lou|title=Gooch's Marines|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mXcTGInloHkC&pg=PA199&lpg=PA199&dq=reckless+huk+moon&source=bl&ots=tJWAXthLx1&sig=-LIFbb-AxuCfaYp0Cf3OJNSSWBA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Fi_0UeiTMeiUjALtjYHABA&ved=0CFoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=reckless%20huk%20moon&f=false|year=2013|publisher=RoseDog Books|location=Pittsburgh, PA|isbn=978-1-4349-3399-7}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Hoffman|first=Nancy Lee White|title=Sgt Reckless: Combat Veteran |journal=[[Leatherneck Magazine]]|year=1992|month=November|volume=75|issue=11|url=http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/sgt-reckless-combat-veteran|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Kilgannon|2012}}|last=Kilgannon|first=Corey|title=Remembering a Beloved Horse and Decorated Marine|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/remembering-a-beloved-horse-and-decorated-marine/?_r=0|date=November 9, 2012|year=2012|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Litalien|first=Dennis|title=Reckless Earns Place in Marine Corps History |journal=Marines|year=1984|volume=13|issue=6|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105112913?urlappend=%3Bseq=30|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Miller|2013}}|last=Miller|first=Joshua Rhett|title=Statue of Korean War Horse Reckless to be Unveiled at Marine museum in Virginia|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/24/statue-korean-war-horse-reckless-to-be-unveiled-at-marine-museum-in-virginia/|publisher=Fox News|date=July 25, 2013|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Equestrian News|2012}}|last=Staff|title=Hoofed Heroine Sgt. Reckless|url=http://theequestriannews.com/2012/11/12/hoofed-heroine-sgt-reckless/|date= November 12, 2012|year=2012|publisher=The Equestrian News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Baltimore Sun|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Native Dancer (1950-1967)|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/preakness-insider-blog/bal-horse-list-0516-native-dancer-19671129,0,3500525.photo|year=2013|publisher=The Baltimore Sun|accessdate=29 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Tuscaloosa News|1968}}|last=Staff|title=Sgt Reckless Dies; Heroic Marine Mare|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19680521&id=WHAfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=M5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6304,4254522|date=May 21, 1968|year=1968|publisher=The Tuscaloosa News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Marine Corps News|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Ultimate Marine (Puller vs Butler)|url=http://marines.dodlive.mil/2013/04/10/ultimate-marine-puller-vs-butler/|date= April 10, 2013|year=2013|publisher=Marine Corps News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite AV media|ref={{sfnRef|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} | date = 8 August 2010| title = Sgt Reckless — Korean War Horse Hero | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 | accessdate = 28 July 2013| time = 0:39-1:29, 2:19-2:45| publisher = sgtreckless.com via Marine Corps archives}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Sergeant Reckless}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z67u5AG6BTM Sergeant Reckless and her foal Fearless at Camp Pendleton]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 Sergeant Reckless - Korean War Horse Hero video]
*[http://news.yahoo.com/video/woodland-man-tells-story-korean-025427310.html Woodland man tells story of Korean war horse, Marine mare]

[[Category:Korean War]]
[[Category:United States Marines]]
[[Category:Warhorses]]

[[la:Sgt Reckless]]

Sergeant Reckless

2013-08-01T13:37:27Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Origins */ I'd assume they knew she was a filly...only the age would be estimated. Also made some wording tweeks.

{{Infobox named horse
| horsename = Sergeant Reckless
| image = Sgt reckless in pasture.jpg
| caption = Sergeant Reckless in retirement.
| breed = [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] or [[Thoroughbred]] mixed breed
| sire =
| grandsire =
| dam =
| damsire =
| sex = [[Mare]]
| foaled = {{circa|1948}}
| death_date = May 13, 1968
| country = Korea
| color = [[Chestnut (color)|Chestnut]]
| breeder =
| owner = [[United States Marine Corps]]
| record =
| earnings =
| race =
| awards=
| honors =
}}

'''Sergeant Reckless''' was a [[mare]] of [[Mongolian horse]] breeding who joined the [[United States Marine Corps]] in October 1952 as a [[pack horse]], and was eventually promoted to [[Staff Sergeant#United States|Staff Sergeant]] by the [[Commandant of the Marine Corps]] after the [[Korean War]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She is an example of an animal that held official rank in a branch of the United States military. Originally purchased for $250 by a soldier from a Korean boy who needed money to purchase an artificial leg for his sister, she served with the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]], [[1st Marine Division]].{{sfn|Blackman, Jr.|2012|p=4}} in a nine-month military career highlighted by her 51 solo trips supporting multiple front line units in just one day of a multi-day battle in late March 1953.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Her service record was featured in ''[[The Saturday Evening Post]]'' and [[Life (magazine)|''LIFE'' magazine]]. Having received a [[battlefield promotion]] to Sergeant about a month before the war ended in 1953, she was retired and brought to the United States after the war, where she was officially promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1959. She gave birth to four [[foal]]s in America and died in May 1968. A plaque and photo were dedicated in her honor at the [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]] stables and a statue of her was dedicated on July 26, 2013.

==Origins==
Sergeant Reckless's date of birth and parentage are unconfirmed, but she was a [[filly]] estimated to be around three or four years old when she was purchased by members of the United States Marine Corps in October 1952. She was sold to the Marines by her owner, a young Korean stableboy called Kim Huk Moon,{{sfn|Giaffo|2013|p=199}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=23-108}} though that was not his real name.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} The horse was originally named ''{{lang|ko|Ah Chim Hai}}'' in [[Korean language|Korean]],{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=48}} which translates to "Morning Flame" or "Flame-in-the-Morning",{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} reputed to be the name of her [[Glossary of equestrian terms#D|dam]], a [[racehorse]] at the track in [[Seoul]]. Moon sold the horse, whom he had nicknamed "Flame," to Lieutenant Eric Pedersen for $250 in order to buy a leg [[prosthesis]] for his sister, who had stepped on [[land mine]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109-113}} The horse's breeding was thought to be primarily [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian]] though she did have some features, particularly the shape of her head, that were similar to horses of [[Thoroughbred]] lineage. She was small, standing only {{hands|14}} and weighing {{convert|900|lb|kg}}.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=7}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}

==Military service==
[[File:Reckless with Sgt. Latham.jpg|thumb|Reckless with her primary trainer, Platoon Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Latham]]
In October 1952 Pedersen{{efn|sometimes misspelled as "Pederson"{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Foreword}}}} had received permission from [[Colonel]] Eustace P. Smoak to purchase a horse to assist his platoon.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Pederson had needed a pack animal in the mountainous terrain able to carry at least nine of the heavy 24-pound shells needed to supply the [[recoilless rifle]]s used by his Recoilless Rifle Platoon of the [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marine Regiment]].{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} The day after he received permission, on October 26, 1952,{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} Pedersen, Scout Sergeant Willard Berry, and Corporal Philip Carter drove a jeep and trailer to the Seoul racetrack.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=130-132}} Pedersen paid for the horse with his own money.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=124-125}} Moon hated to sell the horse, though he needed to,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=109-113}} and cried when "Flame" departed.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=117}} At first the Marines renamed her "Recoilless", after the rifles that the unit used.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}} That changed to "Reckless" in honor of the platoon's nickname, "Reckless Rifles."{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

Her primary trainer and the person Reckless was closest to was Platoon [[Gunnery Sergeant]] Joseph Latham.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=120}} Private First Class Monroe Coleman was her primary caretaker.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} In addition to Pedersen, Latham, and Coleman, Lieutenant Bill Riley and Sergeant Elmer Lively were also closely involved with Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} Pedersen had his wife ship them a [[pack saddle]] from their home in California.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=142-143}} The recoilless rifle platoon had its own medical corpsman, Navy Hospitalman First Class George "Doc" Mitchell, who also provided the majority of medical care for Reckless.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=120, 161}}

The Marines, especially Latham, taught Reckless combat survival skills such as  how not to become entangled in [[barbed wire]] and to lay down when under fire. They called it her "hoof training" and "hoof camp". The horse was initially kept in a pasture near the encampment.{{sfn|Miller|2013}} Eventually she developed such a rapport with the troops that she was allowed to freely roam about the camp, and entered tents at will. Reckless had a gentle disposition and was fond of a wide variety of foodstuffs, entertaining the platoon by eating scrambled eggs and drinking [[Coca-Cola]] and beer.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} Food could not be left unattended around her.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She once ate her [[horse blanket]],{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} and on another occasion ate $30 worth of poker chips.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}

[[File:Reckless_under_fire.jpg|thumb|left|Reckless under fire in Korea]]
Reckless's baptism under fire came at a place called Hedy's Crotch, near the villages of Changdan and Kwakchan. Though loaded down with recoilless rifle shells, she initially jumped around the first two times the recoilless rilfe was fired, but then took an interest in the operations of the weapon.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=143-144}} When learning a new delivery route, Reckless would only need someone to lead her a few times. Afterwards she would make the trips on her own. Her most significant accomplishment came during the [[Battle of Panmunjom-Vegas]] (also known as the Battle of Outpost Vegas/Vegas Hill) from 26-28 March 1953 when she made 51 solo trips, carrying a total of 386 recoilless rounds (over 9,000 pounds by the end of the battle, carrying 4 to 8 24-pound shells on each trip) covering over 35 miles in just one of those days. The whole Battle of Vegas lasted 3 days.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}}{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172-189}}{{efn|Sometimes erroneously reported as 5 days.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=172-189}}}} She was wounded twice during the Battle of Vegas: once when hit by shrapnel over the left eye and another time on her left flank.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} There was a standing order not to ride Reckless, but during the Battle of Vegas, someone did, and Reckless went on a "joy ride" that included a sprint through a [[minefield]], but she was not injured.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=158}} For her accomplishments during the Battle of Vegas, Reckless was promoted to Corporal.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=210}}

[[File:Sgt Reckless with recoilless-rifle.jpg|thumb|Reckless carrying a 75mm recoilless rifle and other gear]]
Reckless became the first horse in the Marine Corps to participate in an [[amphibious landing]] when the 5th moved from [[Camp Casey, South Korea|Camp Casey]] to [[Inchon]], planning to participate in amphibious landings hundreds of miles south of Inchon.{{sfn|Litalien|1984|p=30}} The commanding officer of the transport yelled at the Marines from the ship's bow when he saw the platoon on the dock with Reckless. He refused to take her on board his clean ship,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189-191}} which had won an award for being the cleanest ship in the previous two years.{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=191}} However, the Marines pulled out a loading plan the ship's commanding officer had approved which specifically listed Reckless and her equipment.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=189-191}} Once on board, she initially became sick, making a mess on the ship's decks during the sea voyage and did not get off the ship because of a storm, but became accustomed to the motion of the sea after a couple days.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} The 1st Marine Division moved to a rest area after this and one day some the platoon members posed with Reckless and sign challenging the Thoroughbred [[Native Dancer]] to a race. They called their race the "Paddy Derby" and the field "Upsan Downs." The conditions were: 1.5 miles over paddies and hills, carrying 192 pounds of ammunition, and no riders. The Marines never received a reply. Native Dancer lost the [[Kentucky Derby]], coming in 2nd place, just days later, but later won the [[Preakness Stakes]] and [[Belmont Stakes]].{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=191-193}}{{sfn|Baltimore Sun|2013}}

[[Randolph M. Pate]] gave Reckless a [[battlefield promotion]] from Corporal to Sergeant in a formal ceremony, complete with reviewing stand, on April 10, 1954, several months after the war ended.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208-210}} She was given a red and gold blanket with insignia at this ceremony.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 200-202}} At the time Pate was the commanding general of the 1st Marine Division. Later, Reckless was promoted to Staff Sergeant on August 31, 1959, at Camp Pendleton, also upon the order of Pate, who was by then Commandant of the Marine Corps. Pate personally presided over this promotion ceremony and she was honored with a 19-gun salute with a 1,700-man parade of Marines from her wartime unit.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} She was an early example of an animal holding official rank in a branch of the United States military.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}}

==Retirement==
[[File:Staff Sergeant Reckless.jpg|thumb|Sergeant Reckless getting promoted to Staff Sergeant, 1959]]
For her exemplary service to the Marine Corps, Reckless was awarded two [[Purple Heart]]s, a [[Good Conduct Medal (United States)#Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal|Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal]], a [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] with bronze star, the [[National Defense Service Medal]], a [[Korean Service Medal]], the [[United Nations Korea Medal]], a [[Navy Unit Commendation]], and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She would wear these awards on her horse blanket, plus a [[Fourragere|French Fourragere]] that the 5th Marines earned in [[World War I]].{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}}

An article in ''The Saturday Evening Post'', published on April 17, 1954 while Reckless was still in Korea,{{sfn|Geer|1955|p=Author's Note}} resulted in a campaign by American supporters to get the Marines to bring her to the United States. An executive at Pacific Transport Lines, Stan Coppel, read the article and offered to let Reckless ride free on one of his company's ships from [[Yokohama]] to [[San Francisco]].{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Prior to her departure for America, a ceremony, including a band, for Reckless' rotation to the United States was held during half time of a football game between the Marine Corps and Army. Reckless left Korea for Japan aboard a [[1st Marine Aircraft Wing]] transport plane.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Introduction, 208-210}} She then sailed from Yokohama on October 22 aboard the ''SS Pacific Transport'', due in San Francisco on November 5, 1954.{{sfn|Coakley|1991|p=23}} A typhoon delayed the ship's arrival until the evening of November 9th. Reckless and her caretakers stayed aboard til the next morning. Reckless got sick during the storm and was once knocked out of her stall onto the deck by the storm, which happened near the end of the trip. The [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|Customs Bureau]] was not much of a problem but the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] insisted a medical check and lab tests be completed before she disembarked from the ship once it reached San Francisco, which would make her late for the Marine banquet where she was to be the guest of honor. The Marines contacted Agriculture Department officials in Washington, D.C. who agreed to allow her off the ship after her blood was drawn for lab tests, with the understanding that if she had [[glanders]] or [[covering sickness|dourine]], she would be destroyed or sent back to Japan. Many of the Marines who actually knew her were incensed at the affront to her honor, when they learned that dourine was an equine sexually transmitted disease.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211-217}} She was led off the ship by Lieutenant Pedersen and set foot on American soil in San Francisco on November 10, 1954,{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=Author's Note, 124}} which is also the birthday of the  Marine Corps. The night before she arrived, she once again ate her blanket, but a new one with ribbons and insignia was made just in time for her disembarkment. For the Marine birthday party that day, she rode an elevator, and then ate both cake and the flower decorations.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Reckless went to live with Pedersen's family for a brief time before moving to live with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. A second article about Reckless appeared in ''The Saturday Evening Post'' on October 22, 1955. These two articles and the book ''Reckless: Pride of the Marines'' (1955) were written by the commander of the 2nd Battalion, [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|Lieutenant Colonel]] Andrew Geer, who kept notes about Reckless during the war.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} She made several public appearances, including [[Art Linkletter]]'s show ''[[House Party (radio and TV show)|House Party]]'', but had to cancel an appearance on ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]'' due to the typhoon.{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} Ed Sullivan had wanted her to appear on his November 7th show and was willing to pay the costs to get her there right after the scheduled, and delayed, November 5th arrival. Reckless never did appear on Sullivan's show.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=211-217}}

[[File:Reckless Rotation Ceremony.png|thumb||left|Sergeant Reckless at her stateside rotation ceremony, 1954. PFC William Moore is holding her. He accompanied her on the trip to America.]]
Reckless was treated with great care and treated as a VIP while she was at Camp Pendleton and the Marine Corps was careful not to allow her to be taken advantage of by commercial interests.{{sfn|Geer|1955|pp=223-224}} She produced four [[foal]]s there: [[colt (horse)|colts]] Fearless (1957), Dauntless (1959), and Chesty (1964), and her last foal, a filly born circa 1965-1966, which died a month after birth and was unnamed.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Miller|2013}}{{sfn|Giaffo|2013|p=200}} Her offspring Chesty was named after [[Chesty Puller]], one of the few Marines ever allowed to ride Reckless.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} Puller was a Marine Corps [[Lieutenant general (United States)|Lieutenant General]] and the most decorated United States Marine of all time.{{sfn|Marine Corps News|2013}} Reckless retired from active service with full military honors at Camp Pendleton on November 10, 1960.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}}{{sfn|Kilgannon|2012}} She was provided free board and feed in lieu of retirement pay, per Marine Corps documents.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

Reckless developed arthritis in her back as she aged and injured herself on May 13, 1968 by falling into a [[barbed wire]] fence. She died under sedation while her wounds were being treated.{{sfn|Tuscaloosa News|1968}} At the time of her death, she was estimated to be 19 or 20 years old.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} There is a plaque and photo commemorating her at the Camp Pendleton stables.{{sfn|Equestrian News|2012}} The first race at Aqueduct racetrack, New York, was designated "The Sgt Reckless" on Nov. 10, 1989.{{sfn|Hoffman|1992|pp=78-85}} In 1997, Reckless was listed by one ''LIFE'' magazine as one of America's 100 all-time heroes.{{sfn|Sgt Reckless video|2010}}

{{ external media| align = right| width = | image1 = [http://www.wildlifebronzes.com/jocelyn/RECKLESS/go SSGT RECKLESS - Process and progress] slideshow by Jocelyn Russell.}}
A statue by sculptor Jocelyn Russell of Reckless carrying ammunition shells and other combat equipment was unveiled on Friday, July 26, 2013 in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the [[National Museum of the Marine Corps]] on July 26, 2013, one day before the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. There is a lock of her [[tail (horse)|tail hair]] in the base of the statue.{{sfn|Bartel|2013}}

==See also==
*[[Horses in warfare]]

==Notes==
{{notes}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Bartel|2013}}|last=Bartel|first=Bill|title=Marines Honor Equine Comrade From Korean War|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2013/07/marines-honor-equine-comrade-korean-war|date=July 27, 2013|year=2013|newspaper=The Virginian Pilot|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Blackman, Jr.|first=Robert R.|title=President's Notes|journal=Sentinel|publisher=Marine Corps Heritage Foundation|month=Fall-Winter|year=2012|url=http://www.marineheritage.org/2012_Sentinel_online.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Coakley|first=Lesli|title=The four-legged Marine in Korea |journal=Marines|year=1991|month=September|volume=20|issue=9|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105114984?urlappend=%3Bseq=25|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Geer|first=Andrew|title=Reckless, Pride of the Marines|year=1955|publisher=E. P. Dutton|location=New York|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015003928499|year=1955}}
* {{cite book|ref=harv|last=Giaffo|first=Lou|title=Gooch's Marines|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mXcTGInloHkC&pg=PA199&lpg=PA199&dq=reckless+huk+moon&source=bl&ots=tJWAXthLx1&sig=-LIFbb-AxuCfaYp0Cf3OJNSSWBA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Fi_0UeiTMeiUjALtjYHABA&ved=0CFoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=reckless%20huk%20moon&f=false|year=2013|publisher=RoseDog Books|location=Pittsburgh, PA|isbn=978-1-4349-3399-7}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Hoffman|first=Nancy Lee White|title=Sgt Reckless: Combat Veteran |journal=[[Leatherneck Magazine]]|year=1992|month=November|volume=75|issue=11|url=http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/sgt-reckless-combat-veteran|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Kilgannon|2012}}|last=Kilgannon|first=Corey|title=Remembering a Beloved Horse and Decorated Marine|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/remembering-a-beloved-horse-and-decorated-marine/?_r=0|date=November 9, 2012|year=2012|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}
* {{cite journal|ref=harv|last=Litalien|first=Dennis|title=Reckless Earns Place in Marine Corps History |journal=Marines|year=1984|volume=13|issue=6|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112105112913?urlappend=%3Bseq=30|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Miller|2013}}|last=Miller|first=Joshua Rhett|title=Statue of Korean War Horse Reckless to be Unveiled at Marine museum in Virginia|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/24/statue-korean-war-horse-reckless-to-be-unveiled-at-marine-museum-in-virginia/|publisher=Fox News|date=July 25, 2013|accessdate=27 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Equestrian News|2012}}|last=Staff|title=Hoofed Heroine Sgt. Reckless|url=http://theequestriannews.com/2012/11/12/hoofed-heroine-sgt-reckless/|date= November 12, 2012|year=2012|publisher=The Equestrian News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Baltimore Sun|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Native Dancer (1950-1967)|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/preakness-insider-blog/bal-horse-list-0516-native-dancer-19671129,0,3500525.photo|year=2013|publisher=The Baltimore Sun|accessdate=29 July 2013}}
* {{cite news|ref={{sfnRef|Tuscaloosa News|1968}}|last=Staff|title=Sgt Reckless Dies; Heroic Marine Mare|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19680521&id=WHAfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=M5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6304,4254522|date=May 21, 1968|year=1968|publisher=The Tuscaloosa News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Marine Corps News|2013}}|last=Staff|title=Ultimate Marine (Puller vs Butler)|url=http://marines.dodlive.mil/2013/04/10/ultimate-marine-puller-vs-butler/|date= April 10, 2013|year=2013|publisher=Marine Corps News|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
* {{cite AV media|ref={{sfnRef|Sgt Reckless video|2010}} | date = 8 August 2010| title = Sgt Reckless — Korean War Horse Hero | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 | accessdate = 28 July 2013| time = 0:39-1:29, 2:19-2:45| publisher = sgtreckless.com via Marine Corps archives}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Sergeant Reckless}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z67u5AG6BTM Sergeant Reckless and her foal Fearless at Camp Pendleton]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 Sergeant Reckless - Korean War Horse Hero video]
*[http://news.yahoo.com/video/woodland-man-tells-story-korean-025427310.html Woodland man tells story of Korean war horse, Marine mare]

[[Category:Korean War]]
[[Category:United States Marines]]
[[Category:Warhorses]]

[[la:Sgt Reckless]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2013-07-29T13:42:55Z

Intothatdarkness: Reverted to revision 554009549 by Intothatdarkness: Completely unsupported addition. (TW)

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a temporary [[military]] encampment widely used during the [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of fire support from their own base camps. FSBs followed a number of plans, their shape and construction varying based on the terrain they occupied and the projected garrison. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
A fire support base was originally a temporary firing base for artillery, although many evolved into more permanent bases. Their main components varied by size: a typical FSB usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station for construction and maintenance projects, at least two landing pads for helicopters (a smaller VIP pad and at least one resupply pad), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]] serving as the defense garrison. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/html/books/090/90-12/index.html |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2012-08-06}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Smaller FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref> These smaller bases arranged their guns in square or triangle patterns when possible.<ref>Ott, p. 59.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was built in October 1965. Designated Bill, it was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Based on the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security and semi-permanent construction they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968 by the [[101st Airborne Division]]. [[Battle of FSB Mary Ann|Firebase Mary Ann]], constructed by elements of the [[23rd Infantry Division (United States)|23rd Infantry Division "Americal"]], was more typical of smaller fire support bases.

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]
* [[Firebase Thomas]]<ref>[https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105204217 Special Forces Travel A Difficult Road In Afghanistan], NPR, June 10, 2009</ref><ref>[https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.162818757129729.39337.109620502449555&type=3 Firebase Thomas Mud Run | Facebook]</ref>
* [[Firebase Tinsley]] near Char Chiehna. Formerly FOB Cobra.

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last =Nolan
| first =Keith William
| title =Sappers in the Wire: The life and death of Firebase Mary Ann
| publisher =Texas A&M University Press
| date =1995
| isbn = 0-89096-657-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/html/books/090/90-12/index.html
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/html/books/090/90-12/index.html Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

{{Fortifications}}

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2013-05-07T19:44:35Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */ Fixed wording

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2013-05-07T15:16:20Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */ Removed unsourced information.

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a temporary [[military]] encampment widely used during the [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of fire support from their own base camps. FSBs followed a number of plans, their shape and construction varying based on the terrain they occupied and the projected garrison. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
A fire support base was originally a temporary firing base for artillery, although many evolved into more permanent bases. Their main components varied by size: a typical FSB usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, at least two landing pads for helicopters (a smaller VIP pad and at least one resupply pad), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/html/books/090/90-12/index.html |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2012-08-06}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Smaller FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref> These smaller bases arranged their guns in square or triangle patterns when possible.<ref>Ott, p. 59.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968 by the [[101st Airborne Division]]. [[Battle of FSB Mary Ann|Firebase Mary Ann]], constructed by elements of the [[23rd Infantry Division (United States)|23rd Infantry Division "Americal"]], was more typical of smaller fire support bases.

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]
* [[Firebase Thomas]]<ref>[https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105204217 Special Forces Travel A Difficult Road In Afghanistan], NPR, June 10, 2009</ref><ref>[https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.162818757129729.39337.109620502449555&type=3 Firebase Thomas Mud Run | Facebook]</ref>
* [[Firebase Tinsley]] near Char Chiehna. Formerly FOB Cobra.

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last =Nolan
| first =Keith William
| title =Sappers in the Wire: The life and death of Firebase Mary Ann
| publisher =Texas A&M University Press
| date =1995
| isbn = 0-89096-657-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/html/books/090/90-12/index.html
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/html/books/090/90-12/index.html Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

{{Fortifications}}

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-08-06T19:23:01Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */ Updated link...goes to main book now, not html version.

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a temporary [[military]] encampment widely used during the [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of fire support from their own base camps. FSBs followed a number of plans, their shape and construction varying based on the terrain they occupied and the projected garrison. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
A fire support base was originally a temporary firing base for artillery, although many evolved into more permanent bases. Their main components varied by size: a typical FSB usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, at least two landing pads for helicopters (a smaller VIP pad and at least one resupply pad), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/html/books/090/90-12/index.html |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2012-08-06}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Smaller FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref> These smaller bases arranged their guns in square or triangle patterns when possible.<ref>Ott, p. 59.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968 by the [[101st Airborne Division]]. [[Battle of FSB Mary Ann|Firebase Mary Ann]], constructed by elements of the [[23rd Infantry Division (United States)|23rd Infantry Division "Americal"]], was more typical of smaller fire support bases.

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last =Nolan
| first =Keith William
| title =Sappers in the Wire: The life and death of Firebase Mary Ann
| publisher =Texas A&M University Press
| date =1995
| isbn = 0-89096-657-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/html/books/090/90-12/index.html
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-08-06T19:22:02Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Sources */ Updated link

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a temporary [[military]] encampment widely used during the [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of fire support from their own base camps. FSBs followed a number of plans, their shape and construction varying based on the terrain they occupied and the projected garrison. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
A fire support base was originally a temporary firing base for artillery, although many evolved into more permanent bases. Their main components varied by size: a typical FSB usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, at least two landing pads for helicopters (a smaller VIP pad and at least one resupply pad), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Smaller FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref> These smaller bases arranged their guns in square or triangle patterns when possible.<ref>Ott, p. 59.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968 by the [[101st Airborne Division]]. [[Battle of FSB Mary Ann|Firebase Mary Ann]], constructed by elements of the [[23rd Infantry Division (United States)|23rd Infantry Division "Americal"]], was more typical of smaller fire support bases.

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last =Nolan
| first =Keith William
| title =Sappers in the Wire: The life and death of Firebase Mary Ann
| publisher =Texas A&M University Press
| date =1995
| isbn = 0-89096-657-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/html/books/090/90-12/index.html
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-08-06T19:20:31Z

Intothatdarkness: Added to lede

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a temporary [[military]] encampment widely used during the [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of fire support from their own base camps. FSBs followed a number of plans, their shape and construction varying based on the terrain they occupied and the projected garrison. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
A fire support base was originally a temporary firing base for artillery, although many evolved into more permanent bases. Their main components varied by size: a typical FSB usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, at least two landing pads for helicopters (a smaller VIP pad and at least one resupply pad), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Smaller FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref> These smaller bases arranged their guns in square or triangle patterns when possible.<ref>Ott, p. 59.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968 by the [[101st Airborne Division]]. [[Battle of FSB Mary Ann|Firebase Mary Ann]], constructed by elements of the [[23rd Infantry Division (United States)|23rd Infantry Division "Americal"]], was more typical of smaller fire support bases.

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last =Nolan
| first =Keith William
| title =Sappers in the Wire: The life and death of Firebase Mary Ann
| publisher =Texas A&M University Press
| date =1995
| isbn = 0-89096-657-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-08-06T19:18:48Z

Intothatdarkness:

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a temporary [[military]] encampment widely used during the [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
A fire support base was originally a temporary firing base for artillery, although many evolved into more permanent bases. Their main components varied by size: a typical FSB usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, at least two landing pads for helicopters (a smaller VIP pad and at least one resupply pad), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Smaller FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref> These smaller bases arranged their guns in square or triangle patterns when possible.<ref>Ott, p. 59.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968 by the [[101st Airborne Division]]. [[Battle of FSB Mary Ann|Firebase Mary Ann]], constructed by elements of the [[23rd Infantry Division (United States)|23rd Infantry Division "Americal"]], was more typical of smaller fire support bases.

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last =Nolan
| first =Keith William
| title =Sappers in the Wire: The life and death of Firebase Mary Ann
| publisher =Texas A&M University Press
| date =1995
| isbn = 0-89096-657-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-06-22T18:53:55Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
A fire support base was originally a temporary firing base for artillery, although many evolved into more permanent bases. Their main components varied by size: a typical FSB usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, at least two landing pads for helicopters (a smaller VIP pad and at least one resupply pad), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Smaller FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref> These smaller bases arranged their guns in square or triangle patterns when possible.<ref>Ott, p. 59.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968 by the [[101st Airborne Division]]. [[Battle of FSB Mary Ann|Firebase Mary Ann]], constructed by elements of the [[23rd Infantry Division (United States)|23rd Infantry Division "Americal"]], was more typical of smaller fire support bases.

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last =Nolan
| first =Keith William
| title =Sappers in the Wire: The life and death of Firebase Mary Ann
| publisher =Texas A&M University Press
| date =1995
| isbn = 0-89096-657-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-31T21:31:18Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */ Changed wording

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
A fire support base was originally a temporary firing base for artillery, although many evolved into more permanent bases. Their main components varied by size: a typical FSB usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, at least two landing pads for helicopters (a smaller VIP pad and at least one resupply pad), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Smaller FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref> These smaller bases arranged their guns in square or triangle patterns when possible.<ref>Ott, p. 59.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]]. [[Battle of FSB Mary Ann|Firebase Mary Ann]], constructed by elements of the [[23rd Infantry Division (United States)|23rd Infantry Division "Americal"]], was more typical of smaller fire support bases.

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last =Nolan
| first =Keith William
| title =Sappers in the Wire: The life and death of Firebase Mary Ann
| publisher =Texas A&M University Press
| date =1995
| isbn = 0-89096-657-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-31T21:28:35Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */ Wording...most FSBs had more than one landing pad. They weren't called LZs.

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
A fire support base was originally a temporary firing base for artillery, although many evolved into more permanent bases. Their main components varied by size: a typical FSB usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, at least one landing pad for helicopters (a smaller VIP pad and at least one resupply pad), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Smaller FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref> These smaller bases arranged their guns in square or triangle patterns when possible.<ref>Ott, p. 59.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]]. [[Battle of FSB Mary Ann|Firebase Mary Ann]], constructed by elements of the [[23rd Infantry Division (United States)|23rd Infantry Division "Americal"]], was more typical of smaller fire support bases.

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last =Nolan
| first =Keith William
| title =Sappers in the Wire: The life and death of Firebase Mary Ann
| publisher =Texas A&M University Press
| date =1995
| isbn = 0-89096-657-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-29T14:58:37Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
A fire support base was originally a temporary firing base for artillery, although many evolved into more permanent bases. Their main components varied by size: a typical FSB usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Smaller FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref> These smaller bases arranged their guns in square or triangle patterns when possible.<ref>Ott, p. 59.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]]. [[Battle of FSB Mary Ann|Firebase Mary Ann]], constructed by elements of the [[23rd Infantry Division (United States)|23rd Infantry Division "Americal"]], was more typical of smaller fire support bases.

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last =Nolan
| first =Keith William
| title =Sappers in the Wire: The life and death of Firebase Mary Ann
| publisher =Texas A&M University Press
| date =1995
| isbn = 0-89096-657-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-24T16:00:29Z

Intothatdarkness: Rework

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
A fire support base was originally a temporary firing base for artillery, although many evolved into more permanent bases. Their main components varied by size: a typical FSB usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Smaller FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref> These smaller bases arranged their guns in square or triangle patterns when possible.<ref>Ott, p. 59.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last =Nolan
| first =Keith William
| title =Sappers in the Wire: The life and death of Firebase Mary Ann
| publisher =Texas A&M University Press
| date =1995
| isbn = 0-89096-657-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-17T14:43:51Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */ Revisions

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
A fire support base was originally a temporary firing base for artillery, although many evolved into more permanent bases. Their main components varied by size: a typical FSB usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Smaller FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref> These smaller bases arranged their guns in square or triangle patterns when possible.<ref>Ott, p. 59.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last =Nolan
| first =Keith William
| title =Sappers in the Wire: The life and death of Firebase Mary Ann
| publisher =Texas A&M University Press
| date =1995
| isbn = 0-89096-657-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-17T14:34:29Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */ Added note

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Later FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref> These smaller bases arranged their guns in square or triangle patterns when possible.<ref>Ott, p. 59.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last =Nolan
| first =Keith William
| title =Sappers in the Wire: The life and death of Firebase Mary Ann
| publisher =Texas A&M University Press
| date =1995
| isbn = 0-89096-657-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-17T14:28:20Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Sources */

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Later FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last =Nolan
| first =Keith William
| title =Sappers in the Wire: The life and death of Firebase Mary Ann
| publisher =Texas A&M University Press
| date =1995
| isbn = 0-89096-657-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-17T14:27:19Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */ Added info

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref> Under the original concept of the artillery fire support base, a six-gun battery set up with one howitzer in the center to fire illumination rounds during night attacks and serve as the base's main registration gun. The other five howitzers were arranged around it in a "star" pattern.<ref>Coleman, pp. 113-114.</ref> Later FSBs tended to vary greatly from this layout, with two to four howitzers of various calibers (usually 105mm and 155mm at battalion level) located in dispersed and fortified firing positions.<ref>Nolan, p. 136-137. Nolan describes FSB Mary Ann's layout.</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-17T14:17:41Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept developed by that division, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-16T14:07:30Z

Intothatdarkness: Took out FB size note

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-16T14:06:25Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */ More history

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a company-sized [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref> Under the original concept, firebases would move about every two days, minimizing the amount of security they would need. Over time this changed, and firebases evolved into small forts with all the defensive measures those required.<ref>Coleman, p. 113.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-16T14:03:52Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Sources */ Added source

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a company-sized [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Coleman
| first = J.D.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
| publisher = St Martin's Press
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-15T14:55:35Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Sources */

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a company-sized [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Ott
| first = Maj. Gen. David Ewing
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Field Artillery, 1954-1973 (Vietnam Studies)
| publisher = Department of the Army
| year = 1975
| location = Washington D.C.
| url = http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm
| doi =
| id = }}
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-15T14:54:58Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Notes */

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a company-sized [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
*{{cite book
| last = Stanton
| first = Shelby L.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Anatomy of a Division: 1st Cav in Vietnam
| publisher = Presidio
| year = 1987
| location = Novato, CA
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-15T14:54:12Z

Intothatdarkness: /* References */

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a company-sized [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-15T14:53:48Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */ Info about early US FSB.

A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') was a company-sized [[military]] encampment widely used during [[Vietnam War]] to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. The concept has continued on through current military operations.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], 1971]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref>

One of the first fire support bases constructed by U.S. troops was designated Bill. It was built by the First Cavalry Division in Pleiku Province in October 1965, soon after the division arrived in South Vietnam.<ref>Stanton, Shelby. ''Anatomy of a Division''. 1987. p. 218.</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]
*[[Nangarhar Province]]
**[[Towr Kham Fire Base]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification by type]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{Artillery-stub}}
{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-02T21:30:13Z

Intothatdarkness: Added punctuation

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2012-05-02T21:28:32Z

Intothatdarkness: Not enough sourcing to support claim that RoK forces created the FSB concept.

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2011-11-07T20:11:18Z

Intothatdarkness: No source for South Korean origin of firebase. Removed from leade

{{Refimprove|date=August 2008}}
A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') is a [[military]] encampment designed to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps.

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], [[1971]]]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fire Support Base}}
[[Category:Fortification]]
[[Category:Military terminology]]
[[Category:Artillery stubs]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2011-06-02T21:15:26Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */

{{Refimprove|date=August 2008}}
A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') is a [[military]] encampment designed to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. FSBs were originally used by South Korean troops during the [[Vietnam War]] (중대전술기지: Company Tactical Base), and U.S. adopted it after South Korean troops proved its usefulness through many battles such as [[Battle of Tra Binh Dong]].

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group VietNam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], [[1971]]]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[al Qaeda]] and [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fire Support Base}}
[[Category:Fortification]]
[[Category:Military terminology]]
[[Category:Artillery stubs]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2011-06-02T21:14:48Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */

{{Refimprove|date=August 2008}}
A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') is a [[military]] encampment designed to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] [[fire support]] to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. FSBs were originally used by South Korean troops during the [[Vietnam War]] (중대전술기지: Company Tactical Base), and U.S. adopted it after South Korean troops proved its usefulness through many battles such as [[Battle of Tra Binh Dong]].

==Components during Vietnam War==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire Support Base 23rd Artillery Group Vietnam 1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[Vietnam]], [[1971]]]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55 |title=Field Artillery 1954-1973 Chapter 3: In Order to Win |publisher=History.army.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-10-11}}</ref>

[[Firebase Bastogne]] was a United States firebase constructed in Vietnam in 1968, by the [[101st Airborne Division]].

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[al Qaeda]] and [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fire Support Base}}
[[Category:Fortification]]
[[Category:Military terminology]]
[[Category:Artillery stubs]]
[[Category:Fire support bases| ]]

{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2010-08-12T21:16:35Z

Intothatdarkness: /* Components during Vietnam War */ added a source for this information

{{Unreferenced|date=August 2008}}
A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') is a [[military]] encampment designed to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] support to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. FSBs were originally used by South Korean troops during the [[Vietnam War]] (중대전술기지: Company Tactical Base), and U.S. adopted it after South Korean troops proved its usefulness through many battles such as [[Battle of Tra Binh Dong]].

== Components during Vietnam War ==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire_Support_Base_23rd_Artillery_Group_VietNam_1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[VietNam]], [[1971]]]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]]<ref>http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/ch3.htm#p55</ref>.

''See also: [[Firebase Bastogne]]''

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[al Qaeda]] and [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification]]

{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2010-08-12T21:14:24Z

Intothatdarkness: /* External links */ Added new source link

{{Unreferenced|date=August 2008}}
A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') is a [[military]] encampment designed to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] support to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. FSBs were originally used by South Korean troops during the [[Vietnam War]] (중대전술기지: Company Tactical Base), and U.S. adopted it after South Korean troops proved its usefulness through many battles such as [[Battle of Tra Binh Dong]].

== Components during Vietnam War ==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire_Support_Base_23rd_Artillery_Group_VietNam_1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[VietNam]], [[1971]]]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]]{{Fact|date=June 2007}}.

''See also: [[Firebase Bastogne]]''

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[al Qaeda]] and [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/FA54-73/fm.htm Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery 1954-1973] - Chapter 3 deals with the FSB concept from the field artillery viewpoint

[[Category:Fortification]]

{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]

Feuerunterstützungsbasis

2010-08-12T21:06:51Z

Intothatdarkness: /* External links */ Removed a link as it directs to a section that AOL has since shut down.~~~~

{{Unreferenced|date=August 2008}}
A '''fire support base''' ('''FSB''', '''firebase''' or '''FB''') is a [[military]] encampment designed to provide [[indirect fire]] [[artillery]] support to [[infantry]] operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. FSBs were originally used by South Korean troops during the [[Vietnam War]] (중대전술기지: Company Tactical Base), and U.S. adopted it after South Korean troops proved its usefulness through many battles such as [[Battle of Tra Binh Dong]].

== Components during Vietnam War ==
[[File:Fire Support Base Danger March 1969.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fire Support Base Danger, headquarters of an element of the [[9th Infantry Division (United States)#Vietnam War|9th U.S. Infantry Division]], Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam, 1969.]]
[[Image:Fire_Support_Base_23rd_Artillery_Group_VietNam_1971.jpg|thumb|300px|right|FSB, 23rd Artillery Group, [[VietNam]], [[1971]]]]
An FSB was normally a permanent encampment, though many were dismantled when the units that they supported moved. Their main components varied by size: small bases usually had a battery of six 105 millimeter or 155mm [[howitzers]], a [[platoon]] of [[Military engineer|engineers]] permanently on station, a [[Landing Zone]] ([[Landing Zone|LZ]]), a [[Tactical Operations Center]] ([[Tactical Operations Center|TOC]]), an [[Battlefield medicine|aid station]] staffed with [[Combat medic|medics]], a communications [[bunker]], and a [[Company (military unit)|company]] of [[infantry]]. Large FSBs might also have two artillery batteries, and an infantry [[battalion]]{{Fact|date=June 2007}}.

''See also: [[Firebase Bastogne]]''

==Use in Afghanistan==
Firebases have been set up in [[Afghanistan]] since the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|action by U.S.-led Coalition forces]] began in 2001. These bases provide fire support to Coalition forces in the search for [[al Qaeda]] and [[Taliban]] fighters along the [[Pakistan]] border.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/asadabad.htm Asadabad]. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved on: November 11, 2007</ref>

*[[Kunar Province]]
**[[Firebase Phoenix]]
*[[Helmand Province]]
**[[Fiddler's Green (FOB)|Fiddler's Green]]

==See also==
* [[Forward operating base]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*[http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/gunpit.html The Gunpit - Basic Layout]
*[http://www.landscaper.net/firebase.htm The 2001 version of Vietnam LZs, FBs, FSBs and Camps]

[[Category:Fortification]]

{{US-Army-stub}}

[[fr:Fire Support Base]]
[[ms:Pangkalan Bantuan Tembakan]]