Columbus in Polk County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Polk County Korean War Memorial/SSgt. Reckless
Photographed by Mark Parker, February 7, 2025
1. Polk County Korean War Memorial
1950-1953
The Forgotten War
SSgt. Reckless
(c.1948 - May 13, 1968)
SSgt. Reckless was trained to be a pack horse for the Recoilless Rifle platoon, Anti-Tank Company, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. She served in many combat actions during the Korean War, the highlight being 51 unaccompanied resupply trips to the front lines on a single day during the Battle of Outpost Vegas in 53. She received the battlefield rank of corporal in 53 and sergeant in 54. She was promoted to SSgt in 59 by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. SSgt. Reckless was awarded 2 Purple Hearts, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and many other military honors. She rests at the Camp Pendleton Stables.
Erected by The Family of SSgt James Policandriotes.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • War, Korean.
Location. 35° 15.123′ N, 82° 11.84′ W. Marker is in Columbus, North Carolina, in Polk County. It is on Gibson Street north of Ward Street, on the right when traveling north. The monument is on the north side of Veterans Park near the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Mountains. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: World War II Memorial (here, next to this marker); World War I Memorial (here, next to this marker); Vietnam War Memorial (here, next to this marker); Gulf Wars Memorial (a few steps from this marker); The Charters of Freedom (within shouting distance of this marker); Star Spangled Banner - 1795 to 1818 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1775 - Grand Union (Continental Colors) Flag
Photographed by Mark Parker, February 7, 2025
2. SSgt. Reckless Marker
Photographed by Mark Parker, February 7, 2025
3. Memorial Dedication
possible by the family of
SSgt James Policandriotes
Korean War
31 Oct 1951 to 30 Oct 1955
Photographed by Mark Parker, February 7, 2025
4. Full view of Polk County Korean War Memorial / SSgt. Reckless Marker
Photographed by Mark Parker, February 7, 2025
5. Full view of Veterans Park Memorials. Korean War Memorial / SSgt. Reckless Marker indicated by arrow
Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 116 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 19, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
