An American horse has been awarded the animal version of the Victoria Cross on the 63rd anniversary of the end of the Korean War.

The chestnut mare, Sergeant Reckless, became the 68th animal to receive the PDSA Dickin Medal in a ceremony at the Korean War Memorial in London.

Reckless carried ammunition and wounded soldiers through bullets, bombs and fire in the conflict which split a nation in two.

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On one day alone she made 51 trips during the 1953 Outpost Vegas battle, carrying more than 9,000lb of supplies and walking more than 35 miles, according to official accounts.

In the five-day fight, 28 tons of bombs were reportedly dropped and the terrain was described by Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Geer as a "smoking, death-pocked rubble".

The Mongolian mare was nominated for the accolade by author Robin Hutton, who spent six years researching and writing her biography, and she has been recognised posthumously.

He said: "She was loved by the marines, they took care of her better than they took care of themselves, throwing their flak jackets over her when incoming fire was heavy.

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"Her relationship with the soldiers underscores the vital role of animals in war, not just for their prowess and strength in battle, but for the support and camaraderie they provide to their fellow troops.

Glasgow Times:

Sergeant Mark Gostling with Haldalgo, who received the PDSA Dickin Medal on behalf of Korean war horse Reckless. Photo credit: PDSA/PA Wire

"There is no knowing the amount of lives she saved."

Bred as a racehorse, her journey with the US Marine Corps began in October 1952 after she was bought for 250 US dollars.

Soldiers nicknamed her Reckless because the gun she carried ammunition for - the Recoilless Rifle - was so dangerous it was coined the "reckless" rifle.

Though wounded twice, Reckless lived until she was 20 years old and died in California in 1968.

PDSA director-general Jan McLoughlin was joined by serving King's Troop horse Haldalgo, who wore the medal.

At the ceremony in Victoria Embankment Gardens, Ms McLoughlin said: "Reckless's story is one of conspicuous gallantry and the bravery of this remarkable horse embodies just why we honour animals in this way."

Glasgow Times:

Reckless during the Korean War. Photo credit: US Marine Corps/PDSA/PA Wire

Maria Dickin, founder of animal charity the PDSA, established the Dickin Medal in 1943 for outstanding acts of bravery in war. Most have gone to homing pigeons.

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Around 37,000 US and 1,000 British soldiers died in the Korean War, which lasted from June 25 1950 to July 27 1953.