Black Jack (horse) facts for kids
Black Jack was a very special horse, a mix of a Morgan and an American Quarter Horse. He was coal-black and served in the Caisson Platoon of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). He was named after a famous general, John J. "Black Jack" Pershing. Black Jack was known as a riderless horse. This means he walked in more than 1,000 military funerals, mostly at Arlington National Cemetery. When a riderless horse walks with boots turned backward in the stirrups, it is a symbol of a fallen leader.
Early Life
Black Jack was born on January 19, 1947. He arrived at Fort Myer on November 22, 1952. He came from a place called Fort Reno in Oklahoma, where the army kept horses. Black Jack was the very last horse given out by the Army's Quartermaster. He had the Army's "U.S." brand on his left shoulder. He also had his Army serial number, 2V56, on the left side of his neck.
Amazing Career
Black Jack had a long and important career serving the military. He took part in four very special funerals called "state funerals." These are big ceremonies for important people like presidents or top generals when they pass away.
He participated in the funerals for:
- Three Presidents:
- John F. Kennedy in 1963
- Herbert Hoover in 1964
- Lyndon B. Johnson in 1973
- A Five-star general:
- Douglas MacArthur in 1964
Army Major General Philip C. Wehle was in charge of the Military District of Washington during most of these funerals. For President Johnson's funeral, Army Major General James Bradshaw Adamson was in charge. Black Jack retired from his duties shortly after President Johnson's funeral.
Death and Burial
Black Jack passed away on February 6, 1976. He had served the military for 29 years. After his death, he was cremated. His remains were buried in a special spot at Fort Myer, Virginia, on Summerall Field. His final resting place is about 200 feet (60 meters) northeast of the flagpole in the southeast corner of the parade field. Black Jack is one of only four horses in United States history to be buried with Full Military Honors. The other horses given this special honor were Chief, Sergeant Reckless, and Comanche.
