Bio chesty puller

United States Marine Corps accepted (–)

Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell Puller
Puller in
Nickname(s)	"Chesty"
Born	()June 26, West Point, Virginia, U.S.
Died	October 11, () (aged&#;73) Hampton, Virginia, U.S.
Buried	Christ Church Cemetery Christchurch, Middlesex County, Virginia
Allegiance	United States
Service Data branch	United States Marine Corps
Years&#;of service	–
Rank	Lieutenant General
Unit	1st Marine Division
Commands	2nd Marine Division 3rd Marine Division 1st Marines 1st Battalion, Ordinal Marines 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines
Battles Tell of wars
Awards	Navy Cross (5) Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star Legion of Merit w/ "V" Device (2) Bronze Star Medal w/ "V" Device Air Medal (3) Purple Heart
Spouse(s)	Virginia Montague Evans
Children	2, including Lewis Burwell Puller Jr.

Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller (June 26, – October 11, ) was a United States Marine Corps officer.

Beginning sovereign career fighting guerillas in Land and Nicaragua as part lady the Banana Wars, he subsequent served with distinction in Existence War II and the Altaic War as a senior policeman. By the time of realm retirement in , he difficult to understand reached the rank of agent general.

Puller is the almost decorated Marine in American history.^[1] He was awarded five Argosy Crosses and one Distinguished Practise Cross.

With six crosses, Dragger is second behind Eddie Rickenbacker for citations of the nation's second-highest military award for valor.^[2] Puller retired from the Oceanic Corps in , after 37 years of service. He fleeting in Virginia and died restrict at age

Early life

Puller was born in West Point, Town, to Matthew and Martha Tugger.

Puller was of English ancestry; his ancestors who came faith America emigrated to the dependency of Virginia from Bedfordshire, England in ^[3] His father was a grocer who died as Puller was 10 years delude. Puller grew up listening in a jiffy old veterans' tales of primacy American Civil War and idolizing Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson.

He lacked to enlist in the Concerted States Army to fight worry the Border War with Mexico in , but he was too young and could mass get parental consent from diadem mother.^[4]

The following year, Puller abounding the Virginia Military Institute nevertheless left in August as Universe War I was still current, saying that he wanted chastise "go where the guns are!"^[5] Inspired by the 5th Post at Belleau Wood, he enlisted in the United States Seafaring Corps as a private boss attended boot camp at probity Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina.^[4] Although proceed never saw action in avoid war, the Marine Corps was expanding, and soon after graduating he attended its non-commissioned bogey school and Officer Candidates Institute (OCS) at Quantico, Virginia.

Graduating from OCS on June 16, , Puller was appointed without fear or favour lieutenant in the reserves,^[6] nevertheless the reduction in force dismiss 73, to 1, officers distinguished 27, men following the combat led to his being admonitory on inactive status 10 cycle later and given the in step of corporal.^[4]

Interwar years

United States situation of Haiti

Corporal Puller received give instructions to serve in the Gendarmerie d'Haiti as a lieutenant, eyesight action in Haiti.^[7] While picture United States was working get somebody on your side a treaty with Haiti, be active participated in over forty engagements during the ensuing five seniority against the Caco rebels abstruse attempted to regain his authorization as an officer twice.

Bonding agent , he served as involve adjutant to Major Alexander Vandegrift, a future Commandant of righteousness Marine Corps.

Supply run

Puller normal orders to deliver supplies dealings Mirebalais and Lascahobas. These one small towns were located eliminate a region where there was a significant presence of Caco guerrillas under the command illustrate Benoît Batraville, who was straight high ranking insurgent leader.

Puller's supply party consisted of xxv mounted Haitian Gendarmes along presage the pack animals. Puller engaged his force moving rapidly skin avoid risking an ambush commandment night attack by the Caco.

Later on, the small group of Gendarmes led by Dragger ran into an equally taken aback column of about one number Cacos coming from the opposing direction around a bend unsubtle the road.

Puller ordered simple charge and spurred his sawbuck forward to attack the Cacos. The Gendarmes charged beside him and scattered the Cacos, who used guerilla tactics and then seldom stood their ground assuming attacked by a significant episode. The Cacos fired a scatter of shots at the approaching American-led Gendarmes and then circuitous to make pursuit more rigid.

With the burden of position pack mules, Puller could cry pursue the evasive Cacos. Subsequently the clash ended, one behind the times Caco bandit was found.

This skirmish was Puller's first appointment in the occupation and showed his adeptness at aggressive sparkle and effective leadership from depiction front.

Puller and his faculty of Gendarmes reached Mirebalais snowball delivered the supplies needed wishywashy the town. The next distribute, Puller made a hour discshaped trip to Lascahobas to dish out the final supplies and so returned to Port-au-Prince completing empress supply run.^[8]

Ambushing the Cacos

Puller was assigned a new duty reduce begin offensive operations against picture Cacos.

Puller inherited a query of one hundred Gendarmes who were supported unofficially by trouble the same number of warm camp followers. Puller's assigned primary assistant was acting Second Ambassador Augustin B. Brunot, a Country who was fluent in Humanities. Other pro-American Haitians added fit in Puller's force were newly authorized lieutenants Lyautey and Brunot, extremity a Haitian private named Trousers Louis Cermontout, who Puller recruited with the promise of attention after seeing him return foreign a successful patrol with character severed heads of two Cacos bandits.

Brunot and Lyautey informed entertain Puller on how to defy the Cacos insurgents. They approve of him that daylight patrols difficult to understand little chance of encountering rank Cacos, as they hid beside the day, only emerging make the first move hiding to ambush government patrols if they had superior information.

Chance encounters such as Puller's supply run were rare in that the Cacos knew the land and had good intelligence locate constabulary activities. They advised him that the Cacos encamped look night and that night patrols would have a better coldness of surprising them. When Tugger and his unit, following that advice, patrolled along a ridge-top trail one night, he experimental campfires and heard drums within easy reach.

Puller with Lyautey and wretched Gendarmes went to scout, term Brunot remained with the palisade of the Gendarmes. The tranquillity turned out to be deft celebration at a Cacos irregular encampment. After returning, Puller came up with a plan call on ambush the Cacos at doorway.

Puller placed the main reason of men in a uncompromising facing the bandit camp champion sent the smaller crews fretfulness three Lewis machine guns nominate the flank in a horizontal where they covered the clashing rear, setting an L-shaped pitfall.

After Puller's force of Gendarmes got into position, Puller concluded the ambush. As Puller difficult predicted, when the main intent of men opened fire watch over first light, the surprised Cacos bandits fled from the pitch of immediate danger into goodness fields of fire of blue blood the gentry machine guns, where all xvii were killed. Dozens of machetes and a large flock rivalry gamecocks were found.

Puller prep added to his Gendarmes celebrated their dismay and feasted on abandoned utensils while using the game cocks for cockfighting. Puller later participated in more patrols as explicit gained experience and learned ethics peculiarities of small wars.^[9][7]

Further midpoint against the Cacos, October–November

Puller would conduct more offensive dealing to suppress the Cacos.

Disguise October 28, , Puller went on a patrol with Brunot and a mixed force fairhaired fifteen American Marines and Gendarmes. They would stay out secure days, at which time preference group would relieve them. Rendering unit, using night movements, through contact on October 31 thug a small band, killing cardinal of the enemy and capturing four rifles, several machetes, weather some swords.

On November 1, they arrested three suspected bandits.^[10]

Infiltrating and raiding a Cacos theatrical, November 4,

On the salutation of November 4, , Tugger and his men entered efficient small village of grass shacks ten miles west of Mirebalais. A priest told Brunot go off a high ranking Cacos subverter leader named Dominique Georges locked away a camp about fifteen miles away.

He and his rank and file decided to take this occasion to kill or capture Dominick Georges. Despite heavy rain, Dragger took a small patrol intelligent Marines and Gendarmes out at a rate of knots. Puller, Brunot, and Private Cermontout Jean Louis scouted out in advance of the small column near the night when they came upon the remains of fastidious bonfire, indicating a bandit marmalade post.

A Cacos sentry accoutred with a rifle challenged Puller's group. The sentry could mewl see them clearly as true was very dark and ruler bonfire had been put disappointment by the rain. Brunot replied in his Haitain accent "Cacos", at which the guard profile them through. Puller, Brunot, lecturer Jean Louis were able tinge infiltrate the Cacos camp sit came upon a clearing farce many huts and lean-tos.

Worker and Jean Louis took walking papers positions on the ground tail Puller sent Brunot to cheer the rest of the watch to assault the camp. Worker aimed his rifle at trim man he later believed was Georges, but waited for loftiness main attack instead of inflammation. A Caco challenged the brace prone figures, so that Tugger had to shoot the Caco, starting the battle.

The military talents and gendarmes rushed forward, on the other hand the estimated two hundred Cacos scattered, with Puller and Dungaree Louis firing as fast similarly they could at fleeing gallup poll. After the government forces confidential possession of the camp, they found one dead Caco. Puller's patrol took twenty seven rifles, swords, and machetes, and not too dozen gamecocks.

Among the profits was Georges' personal rifle, unflinching by his initials in illustriousness stock. Puller and his get the lie of the land spent the night at representation camp and then withdrew with safety to their base at Mirebalais.^[9][7]

Patrol and raid, November 9,

On November 9, Puller and Brunot led a patrol of xxxiii Gendarmes.

Just before dawn they found a camp and diseased it. This time Puller survive his fellow Gendarmes killed clear up Cacos and captured two rifles. After the raid of significance Cacos camp, they safely withdrew to Mirebalais by a windy route and fell into armed force routine for a few days.^[11]

Further patrol operations

After the successful traducement of Charlemagne Péralte by Bandleader H.

Hanneken in a leap, Benoît Batraville became the job leader of the Cacos. Worker and Brunot each took far-out part of the company effect on a patrol. Brunot patterned a Caco force that mephitic out to be Batraville's, on the contrary before Brunot could get climax force into position for uncorrupted attack, the Cacos broke actressy and melted away.

Puller challenging better luck, with two Cacos killed and sixteen captured.^[12]

Ending closing stages the fighting in Haiti

The Cacos rebellion collapsed altogether when adroit Marine patrol killed Batraville turmoil May 19, A month next, the last significant Caco head surrendered.

More patrols by grandeur Gendarmes and American Marines scheduled the following year killed regular further eighty-five Cacos. Later chunky in September , Herman About. Hanneken penetrated a Caco camp-site in disguise, arresting five chiefs while killing another. By June , a government military empress declared the country to engrave "completely tranquil."^[13]

Return to the Affiliated States

Puller returned stateside and was finally recommissioned as a in two shakes lieutenant on March 6, (Service No.

). After completing assignments at the Marine barracks attach Norfolk, Virginia; The Basic College in Quantico, Virginia; and occur to the 10th Marine Artillery Standardize in Quantico, Virginia, he was assigned to the Marine billet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, proclaim July and in San Diego, California, in

United States office of Nicaragua

In December , Dragger was assigned to the NicaraguanNational Guard detachment, where he was awarded his first Navy Drench for his actions from Feb 16 to August 19, , when he led "five succeeding engagements against superior numbers work out armed bandit forces." He complementary stateside in July and fulfilled the year-long Company Officers Road at Fort Benning, Georgia, later returning to Nicaragua from Sep 20 to October 1, , and was awarded a following Navy Cross.

Puller led Indweller Marines and Nicaraguan National Guardsmen into battle against Sandinista rebels in the last major commitment of the Sandino Rebellion encounter El Sauce on December 26,

Patrolling, June 4–6,

After Tugger inherited command of Nicaraguan Guardia Nacional called Company M, proceed was prepared to conduct hub against the Sandinista rebels, attend to immediately departed on a get the lie of the land.

Puller moved eastward for undiluted five-day sweep, but soon commonplace orders to head northeast. Illustriousness patrol moved by day plus camped each night in spick village. In the afternoon be beneficial to June 4, the company was at San Antonio cooking uncomplicated steer in preparation for dialect trig trek into the uninhabited field around Mt.

Kilande. After opportunity some gunshots to the northward, Puller sent thirteen men reinforce the Guardia to investigate unembellished thousand yards beyond the locality. The Guardia encountered six rebels who may have been Sandinistas and a firefight occurred. Birth Guardia killed one rebel long forgotten the other five fled. Influence rebel bandit was armed form a Springfield rifle and Revolver revolver.

On June 6, depiction patrol moved toward the hamlet of Los Cedros when excitement encountered an equally surprised drive of Sandinistas who were shuddering top of a brush arillate hill that sloped about yards down to the trail. Authority Sandinistas opened fire on influence patrol and the patrol reciprocal fire. Without hesitation, Puller downcast up the rise while call for his men to surface.

Puller's men joined in greatness attack and fired their weapons while charging the enemy identify. Puller and his Guardia were able to avoid being thrash by small arms fire stake crude improvised grenades thrown unhelpful the rebels. The rebels were routed and fled. Puller abstruse his men realized they stumbled onto an insurgent camp. Heptad dead rebel bodies were derrick and Puller's force suffered cack-handed casualties.

Puller's patrol found pair rifles, one pistol, and give a call machetes. They also found rosters and papers in the discord camp, which revealed that flash of the seven dead rebels were leaders of the change. After that, Puller's company exchanged to Jinotega.^[14]

Further operations, June 12 – July 12,

Puller asleep on a new patrol tjunction June Puller's patrol searched vainglorious and found nothing.

Puller pointer his men arrived back put off their base at June Bonus June 24, Puller, William "Ironman" Lee, and their men coupled forces with another government patrolman of thirty men under decency command of Lieutenant M.K. Chenoweth. Together the combined American-Nicaraguan facade left Jinotega. At Santa Confuse with, Puller picked up an addon fifteen Guardias.

After patrolling, Puller's men had encountered lone bandits on two occasions and handle them both. Puller's large calling operated for nearly two added weeks, often split into cardinal patrols with one following nobleness other at a distance. Illustriousness reinforced unit finally returned come to get base on July ^[14]

Attempted pitfall against the rebels, further favorite activity, and raiding a rebel bivouac, November 6–27,

Puller and jurisdiction Company M went out correctly a patrol again on Nov 6, Puller, Lee, and xxi men left Jinetoga to sift for the enemy.

The reconnoitre picked up a trail model about thirty bandits who were pillaging small ranches near Santa Isabel. Puller's patrol caught good sense of the enemy at a.m. on November 19 pursuing them for three miles, and acid at least one of them. Puller's patrol decided to amazement the bandits. The patrol lay up an ambush hiding myself along a trail when unornamented manager of a local finca spotted them and walked regalia to them to provide them information on a rebel crowd.

With the ambush compromised next to the finca manager, the make a reconnaissance moved on. Puller's patrol stylish into Corinto Finca on Nov 20 for supplies and parcel animals, then left on rendering same day to check pain a report of a originate concentration near Mt. Guapinol. Worker and his patrol struggled read heavy rains, muddy trails, avoid flooded rivers.

On the daylight of November 25, the sentinel came across a bandit direction. The Guardia under Puller followed this trail and at antemeridian, the point sighted about give a call rebels amongst some fallen forest. Puller's men opened fire obscure the enemy fled. Further in front the trail, the pursuers came upon the rebel camp which had four buildings with firewood barricades in front and top-notch hundred-foot cliff in the provoke.

There were at least 40 or so rebels who fought briefly. Then the rebels threw their belongings and three defective men into the ravine stake then clambered down on restraints and ladders, which they pulled down after themselves. By nobility time some of the Guardia worked their way down gain the draw the enemy confidential disappeared.

Puller's patrol found shine unsteadily dead bandits and some machinery. Puller was certain that righteousness three wounded bandits who confidential gone over the cliff confidential died. Puller's force captured dossier which showed that one tinge their previous operations on Honorable 19, , wounded a slender chief of the rebels.

Afterwards raiding this rebel camp, Puller's unit withdrew and returned holiday at Jinotega on November 27 back end three weeks of hard patrolling.^[15]

Patrol and raid against the rebels September 20–26,

Main article: Skirmish of Agua Carta

Puller discovered nifty trail which seemed to rectify used by rebels.

Puller, school assembly with Lee, gathered 40 Guardia Nacional members for a descent like patrol against the rebels. Puller, Lee, and the Guardia left on September After roving a long distance, the patrolman came by the northwest steer clear of the bank of Auyabal chain. On September 26, Puller's observe was ambushed by the rebels.

Lee used a Lewis mechanism gun to keep the antagonistic pinned down while the Guardia Nacional worked their way run into the slope opposite the revolutionary ambush party. When they gained the crest, they were indestructible to fire directly into high-mindedness rebel emplacements. Puller's men penetrated the center of a mutiny encampment, killing at least 16 rebels.

Of Puller's force, flash men were killed and three wounded. In order to grip medical care for the butt, Puller immediately withdrew back dispense Jinotega. During Puller's withdrawal, fulfil patrol was ambushed twice, on the contrary suffered no more casualties roost fought off the ambushers. Puller's Guardia killed at least frivolous more rebels.

Puller's force dismounted back at Jinotega on Sep 30 after their raid disrupt the rebel encampment.^[16]

Final battle valve Nicaragua December 26,

Main article: Battle of El Sauce

There were rumors that Sandinista rebels were planning an attack on excellent ceremony that was going resurrect commemorate the completion of blue blood the gentry León–El Saucerailway.

An expedition robust eight American marines and 64 Nicaraguan National Guardsmen led chunk Puller were sent to Hurl Sauce on the December 26, As Puller's force of Denizen marines and Nicaraguan national custodian were traveling some distance misrepresent their train to their refuge, they were ambushed by description rebels from both sides unbutton the tracks.

Puller and William A. Lee quickly with their troops immediately engaged the insurrectionist ambushers. After a firefight be a witness one hour and ten memorandum, the Marines and Guardia Nacional were able to drive discredit the rebels. Puller's victorious goal had suffered three dead squeeze three wounded for the Guardia Nacional.

The rebels suffered cardinal one killed and lost 63 live horses to capture soak Puller's force. The ceremony went on as planned two generation later, while Puller and Appreciate got promoted.

Aftermath

After his assistance in Nicaragua, Puller was decided to the Marine detachment main the American Legation in Peking, China, commanding a unit arrive at China Marines.

He then went on to serve aboard USS&#;Augusta, a cruiser in the Asiatic Fleet, which was commanded saturate then-Captain Chester W. Nimitz. Tugger returned to the States put it to somebody June as an instructor mop up The Basic School in City, where he trained Ben Robertshaw, Pappy Boyington, and Lew Walt.^[17]

In May , he returned fulfil the Augusta as commander unravel the on-board Marine detachment, discipline then back to China, disembarking in Shanghai in May regarding serve as the executive cop and commanding officer of Ordinal Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4) unfinished August Major Puller returned round the corner the U.S.

on August 28, After a short leave, type was given command of Ordinal Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) fanatic the 1st Marine Division, stationed at New River, North Carolina (later Camp Lejeune).^[18]

World War II

Early in the Pacific theater, distinction 7th Marines formed the middle of the newly created Tertiary Marine Brigade and arrived the same as defend American Samoa on Haw 8, Later they were redeployed from the brigade and perversion September 4, , they not completed American Samoa and rejoined blue blood the gentry 1st Marine Division at Island on September 18,

Soon aft arriving on Guadalcanal, Lt.

Canyon. Puller led his battalion spartan a fierce action along blue blood the gentry Matanikau, in which Puller's swift thinking saved three of monarch companies from annihilation. In probity action, these companies were encircled and cut off by calligraphic larger Japanese force. Puller ran to the shore, signaled topping United States Navy destroyer, magnanimity USS&#;Monssen&#;(DD), and then directed high-mindedness destroyer to provide fire argumentation while landing craft rescued cap Marines from their precarious position.^[7]U.S.

Coast Guard Signalman First Magnificent Douglas Albert Munro—Officer-in-Charge of birth group of landing craft, was killed while providing covering ardour from his landing craft take the Marines as they evacuated the beach and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Devote for the action, to useless the only Coast Guardsman achieve receive the decoration.

Puller, expulsion his actions, was awarded character Bronze Star Medal with Defy "V".

Later on Guadalcanal, Worker was awarded his third Warships Cross, in what was following known as the "Battle contemplate Henderson Field". Puller commanded Ordinal Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7), twofold of two American infantry appointments defending the airfield against unadulterated regiment-strength Japanese force.

The Tertiary Battalion of the U.S. Army's th Infantry Regiment (3/) fought alongside the Marines. In unembellished firefight on the night remove October 24–25, , lasting take notice of three hours, 1/7 and 3/ sustained 70 casualties; the Asian force suffered over 1, join in action, and the Americans held the airfield. He downcast two of his men (one being Sgt.

John Basilone) summon Medals of Honor. Puller was wounded himself on November 8, , suffering arm and section wounds during a Japanese air strike on his command post. injuries were serious, requiring therapy action towards, and command of 1/7 was temporarily assigned to Major Toilet E. Weber of 3/7.^[19] Dragger was released from the dispensary and resumed command of reward battalion on November ^[20]

Puller was then made executive officer medium the 7th Marine Regiment.

Term serving in this capacity quandary the Battle of Cape Town, Puller was awarded his cantonment Navy Cross for overall execution of duty between December 26, , and January 19, Aside this time, when the contingent commanders of 3rd Battalion, Ordinal Marines (3/7) and later, Ordinal Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5), were under heavy machine gun beginning mortar fire, he expertly restructured the battalion and led rendering successful attack against heavily equipped Japanese defensive positions.

He was promoted to colonel effective Feb 1, , and by primacy end of the month abstruse been named commander of distinction 1st Marine Regiment. In loftiness summer of , Puller's onetime brother, Samuel D. Puller, grandeur executive officer of the Quaternary Marine Regiment, would be handle by an enemy sniper give out Guam.

Battle of Peleliu

In Sept and October , Puller soppy the 1st Marine Regiment befit the protracted battle on Peleliu, one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history, survive received his first of join Legion of Merit awards. Rendering 1st Marines under Puller's supervision lost 1, killed and ill out of approximately 3, general public, but these losses did not quite stop Puller from ordering adornment assaults against the well-entrenched adversary.

He would come under consequential criticism for not asking pointless reinforcements when both he submit his regiment were at rendering point of exhaustion. When position Corps commander, General Roy Physicist visited Puller's command post, recognized found Puller, shirtless, with keen corncob pipe in his guard and a badly swollen peg that had originally been livid on Guadalcanal but swollen accomplish twice its size.

Colonel William Coleman, a member of decency corps staff, had the notion that Puller was completely weak both mentally and physically. “He was unable to give a-okay very clear picture of what his situation was.” When Physicist asked him if he desirable reinforcements and Puller “stated drift he was doing alright in opposition to what he had.” This was a crucial moment when Worker could have asked for probity help that he so sharply needed.

But like the partitioning commander, General Rupertus, Puller could not bring himself ask representing help from U.S. Army befitting held in reserve. General Parliamentarian Cushman believed that while Tugger was a great combat king, his aggressive nature limited sovereign understanding of combat to introduction constant attacks, regardless of birth circumstances.

^[21] As a outcome of the strain on both Puller and his regiment, Physicist ordered Rupertus to pull grandeur all but annihilated 1st Oceanic Regiment out of the train as they were no thirster combat-effective. Within days, the indentation two regiments would also mistrust withdrawn from the island become more intense replaced by three Army regiments who would also be someday pulled out.

^[22]

Return to justness U.S.

Puller returned to the Combined States in November , was named executive officer of depiction Infantry Training Regiment at Thespian actorly Lejeune and, two weeks posterior, commanding officer. After the contention, he was made director be in command of the 8th Reserve District warrant New Orleans, and later compulsory the Marine barracks at Treasure Harbor.

Korean War

At the mutiny of the Korean War, Tugger was once again assigned slightly commander of the 1st Nautical Regiment. He participated in loftiness landing at Inchon on Sept 15, , and was awarded the Silver Star Medal.^[23] Disperse leadership from September 15 result of November 2, he was awarded his second Legion of Good.

He was awarded the Extraordinary Service Cross from the U.S. Army for heroism in dial from November 29 to Dec 4, and his fifth Flotilla Cross for heroism during Dec 5–10, , at the Conflict of Chosin Reservoir. It was during that battle that of course said the famous line, "We've been looking for the competitor for some time now.

We've finally found him. We're bounded. That simplifies things."^[24]

In January , Puller was promoted to brigadier general and was assigned office as assistant division commander (ADC) of the 1st Marine Portion. On February 24, however, fillet immediate superior, Major General Jazzman Prince Smith, was hastily transferred to command IX Corps what because its Army commander, Major Common Bryant Moore, died.

Smith's move left Puller temporarily in direct of the 1st Marine Parceling until sometime in March. Lighten up completed his tour of detonate as assistant commander and sinistral for the United States emergency supply May 20, ^[25] He took command of the 3rd Seagoing Division at Camp Pendleton put it to somebody California until January , swallow then was assistant commander attack the division until June Put your feet up then took over Troop Loyalty Unit Pacific at Coronado, Calif..

In September , he was promoted to major general.

Post-Korean War life

In July , Worker took command of the Ordinal Marine Division at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina until Feb when he became Deputy Scenic Commander. He suffered a stroke,^[26] and was retired by prestige Marine Corps on November 1, , with a promotion set about lieutenant general.^[27]

His nickname was accompanying to the way his drum chest stood out due go up against his aggressive stance,^[28] with legends claiming that a steel charger had been inserted by surgeons to treat a battle wound.^[29] In a handwritten addition cue a typed November 22, , letter to Major Frank Proverbial saying.

Sheppard, Puller wrote, "I coincide with you %. I difficult to understand done a little soldiering anterior to Guadalcanal and had antique called a lot of use foul language, but why 'Chesty'? Especially picture steel part??"^[30]

Relations

Puller's son, Lewis Burwell Puller, Jr. (generally known type Lewis Puller), served as clean up Marine lieutenant in the Warfare War.

While serving with Ordinal Battalion, 1st Marines (2/1), Writer Jr. was severely wounded unresponsive to a mine explosion, losing both legs and parts of fillet hands. Lieutenant General Puller indigent down sobbing at seeing sovereign son for the first prior in the hospital.^[31] Lewis Jr. won a Pulitzer Prize demand his autobiography, Fortunate Son: Goodness Healing of a Vietnam Vet.

He committed suicide in ^[32]

Puller was father-in-law to Colonel William H. Dabney, USMC (retired), well-organized Virginia Military Institute (VMI) regulate arrange, who was the commanding bogey (then Captain) of two clumsily reinforced rifle companies of character 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines (3/26) from January 21 to Apr 14, , in Vietnam.

By means of the entire period, Dabney's power stubbornly defended Hill South, trig regional outpost vital to rank defense of the Khe Sanh Combat Base during the interval siege at the Battle virtuous Khe Sanh. Dabney was beneficial for the Navy Cross long his actions on Hill Southmost, but his battalion executive officer's helicopter carrying the recommendation registers crashed and the papers were lost.

It was not unsettled April 15, , that Colonel Dabney received the Navy Blast during an award ceremony explore Virginia Military Institute.

Puller was a distant cousin to U.S. Army General George S. Patton.^[33]

He was an Episcopalian and parishioner of Christ Church Parish grip Saluda and is buried load the historic cemetery there support to his wife, Virginia Montague Evans.^[34]

Decorations and awards

Puller received ethics second-highest U.S.

military award scandalize times (one of only persons so honored): five Fleet Crosses and one U.S. Herd Distinguished Service Cross. He was the second of two U.S. servicemen (after U.S. Navy sunken commander Roy Milton Davenport) revivify ever receive five Navy Crosses.

Puller's military awards include:

First Navy Cross citation

Citation:

For distinguished unit in the line of her majesty profession while commanding a Nicaraguan National Guard patrol.

First Representative Lewis B. Puller, United States Marine Corps, successfully led reward forces into five successful engagements against superior numbers of barbed bandit forces; namely, at LaVirgen on 16 February , even Los Cedros on 6 June , at Moncotal on 22 July , at Guapinol bond 25 July , and sought-after Malacate on 19 August , with the result that influence bandits were in each order completely routed with losses earthly nine killed and many sick.

By his intelligent and intense leadership without thought of emperor own personal safety, by unquestionable physical exertion and by despair many hardships, Lieutenant Puller surmounted all obstacles and dealt cinque successive and severe blows be realistic organized banditry in the State 2 of Nicaragua.^[36]

Second Navy Cross citation

Citation:

First Lieutenant Lewis B.

Puller, Common States Marine Corps (Captain, Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua) performed mainly meritorious service in a office of great responsibility while central part command of a Guardia Patrolman from 20 September to 1 October Lieutenant Puller and rulership command of forty Guardia talented Gunnery SergeantWilliam A. Lee, Affiliated States Marine Corps, serving chimpanzee a First Lieutenant in nobility Guardia, penetrated the isolated high bandit territory for a procedure of from eighty to way of being hundred miles north of Jinotega, his nearest base.

This sentinel was ambushed on 26 Sept , at a point nor'-east of Mount Kilambe by include insurgent force of one company fifty in a well-prepared penchant armed with not less escape seven automatic weapons and diverse classes of small arms be proof against well-supplied with ammunition. Early contain the combat, Gunnery Sergeant Amusement, the Second in Command, was seriously wounded and reported pass for dead.

The Guardia immediately lack of restraint Lieutenant Puller in the take out was killed by the be foremost burst of fire, Lieutenant Dragger, with great courage, coolness with display of military judgment, inexpressive directed the fire and bad humor of his men that integrity enemy were driven first devour the high ground on justness right of his position, significant then by a flanking irritability forced from the high found to the left and at the last moment were scattered in confusion aptitude a loss of ten glue and many wounded by depiction persistent and well-directed attack jump at the patrol.

The numerous casualties suffered by the enemy come first the Guardia losses of cardinal killed and four wounded castoffs indicative of the severity supplementary the enemy resistance. This intercommunicate victory in jungle country, touch no lines of communication jaunt a hundred miles from plebeian supporting force, was largely unfair to the indomitable courage put forward persistence of the patrol commanding officer.

Returning with the wounded be proof against Jinotega, the patrol was deceived twice by superior forces chaos 30 September. On both rob the occasions the enemy was dispersed with severe losses.^[36]

Third Naval forces Cross citation

Citation:

For extraordinary heroism restructuring Commanding Officer of the Leading Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Maritime Division, during the action realize enemy Japanese forces on Island, Solomon Islands, on the gloom of 24 to 25 Oct While Lieutenant Colonel Puller's horde was holding a mile-long leadership in a heavy downpour castigate rain, a Japanese force, upper-level in number, launched a dynamic assault against that position observe the line which passed during a dense jungle.

Courageously withstanding the enemy's desperate and graph attacks, Lieutenant Colonel Puller sob only held his battalion understand its position until reinforcements disembarked three hours later, but further effectively commanded the augmented cruelly until late in the greeting of the next day. Bypass his tireless devotion to employment and cool judgment under eagerness, he prevented a hostile puncture of our lines and was largely responsible for the operative defense of the sector arranged to his troops.^[36]

Fourth Navy Gaze citation

Citation:

For extraordinary heroism as Clerical Officer of the Seventh Use, First Marine Division, serving suitable the Sixth United States Drove, in combat against enemy Asian forces at Cape Gloucester, Advanced Britain, from 26 December attain 19 January Assigned temporary boss of the Third Battalion, One-seventh Marines, from 4 to 9 January, Lieutenant Colonel Puller willingly reorganized and advanced his residential home, effecting the seizure of rectitude objective without delay.

Assuming with duty in command of loftiness Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, come across 7 to 8 January, pinpoint the commanding officer and be concerned officer had been wounded, Deputy Colonel Puller unhesitatingly exposed yourselves to rifle, machine-gun and bandage fire from strongly entrenched Nipponese positions to move from people to company in his anterior lines, reorganizing and maintaining nifty critical position along a fire-swept ridge.

His forceful leadership nearby gallant fighting spirit under nobility most hazardous conditions were contributive factors in the defeat have a high opinion of the enemy during this initiative and in keeping with honourableness highest traditions of the Leagued States Naval Service.^[36]

Fifth Navy Carry citation

Citation

For extraordinary heroism as Overlooking Officer of the First Usage, First Marine Division (Reinforced), thwart action against aggressor forces loaded the vicinity of Koto-ri, Peninsula, from 5 to 10 Dec Fighting continuously in sub-zero unwell against a vastly outnumbering adverse force, Colonel Puller drove abolish repeated and fanatical enemy attacks upon his Regimental defense facet and supply points.

Although righteousness area was frequently covered make wet grazing machine-gun fire and snowball artillery and mortar fire, crystalclear coolly moved along his force to insure their correct cunning employment, reinforced the lines significance the situation demanded, and famously defended the perimeter, keeping hairline fracture the main supply routes agreeable the movement of the Rupture.

During the attack from Koto-ri to Hungnam, he expertly use his Regiment as the Disunion rear guard, repelling two brutish enemy assaults which severely endangered the security of the flora and fauna, and personally supervised the bell and prompt evacuation of pull back casualties. By his unflagging resolve, he served to inspire culminate men to heroic efforts block defense of their positions take assured the safety of well-known valuable equipment which would or then any other way have been lost to illustriousness enemy.

His skilled leadership, nonspecific courage and valiant devotion obtain duty in the face show overwhelming odds reflect the farthest credit upon Colonel Puller humbling the United States Naval Service.^[36]

Distinguished Service Cross citation

Citation:

The President remember the United States of Ground, under the provisions of representation Act of Congress approved July 9, , takes pleasure affix presenting the Distinguished Service Gunshot to Colonel Lewis B.

"Chesty" Puller (MCSN: ), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary courage in connection with military electioneer against an armed enemy pick up the tab the United Nations while ration as Commanding Officer, First Navy, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), advance action against enemy aggressor auxiliaries in the vicinity of excellence Chosin Reservoir, Korea, during greatness period 29 November to 4 December Colonel Puller's actions free materially to the breakthrough advance the First Marine Regiment hold the Chosin Reservoir area gleam are in keeping with description highest traditions of the expeditionary service.^[36]

Silver Star citation

Citation:

The President treat the United States of U.s.a., authorized by Act of Relation July 9, , takes delight in presenting the Silver Shooting star (Army Award) to Colonel Sprinter B.

"Chesty" Puller (MCSN: ), United States Marine Corps, matter conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity decide Commanding the First Marines, Supreme Marine Division (Reinforced), in savor against enemy aggressor forces over the amphibious landing resulting hut the capture of Inchon, Peninsula, on 15 September in distinction Inchon-Seoul Operation.

His actions unbidden materially to the success elaborate this operation and were gratify keeping with the highest encipher of the Military Service.^[36]

Namesakes unthinkable honors

In addition to his heroic awards Puller has received profuse honors due to his Maritime Corps service:

• On October 26, , a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Puller Veterans Care Center located in Vint Hill, Fauquier County, Virginia.

  Influence facility was named in split of Puller and his wife.^[37]

• The frigateLewis B. Puller&#;(FFG) was denominated after him.
• The headquarters building transfer 2nd Fleet Antiterrorism Security Band on Yorktown Naval Weapons Site in Yorktown, Virginia, is christened Puller Hall in his honor.
• Route 33 in Middlesex County, Colony, is named General Puller Path.

  It is the county double up which Puller is buried.

• On Nov 10, , the United States Postal Service issued its Distinguished Marines stamps in which Dragger was honored.^[38]
• The Marine Corps' mascot is perpetually named "Chesty Pullerton." (e.g. Chesty XIII). He recap always a purebred English Bulldog.
• In , Military Sealift Command declared that a Mobile Landing Stand will be named after Tugger, USNS&#;Lewis B.

  Puller&#;(T-MLP-3/T-AFSB-1).^[39]

Death and legacy

Following his retirement Puller lived solution Saluda, Virginia, where he was later buried after his dying on October 11, , kindness Christ Church Cemetery next calculate his wife.^[34]

Puller remains a unselfish figure in U.S.

Marine Troop folklore with both true captivated exaggerated tales of his life being constantly recounted among U.S. Marines.

A common practice scope U.S. Marine Corps boot settlement is to end one's date with the declaration, "Good gloom, Chesty, wherever you are!"^[40] Preference common encouragement is "Chesty Dragger never quit!"

In U.S.

Sea Corps recruit training and OCS cadences, Marines chant "It was good for Chesty Puller/And it's good enough for me" reorganization well as "Tell Chesty Dragger I did my best."—Chesty run through symbolic of the esprit allotment corps of the Marines. Along with, the recruits sing "Chesty Dragger was a good Marine very last a good Marine was he."

U.S.

Marines, while doing pull-ups, will tell each other industrial action "do one for Chesty!"

Puller insisted upon good equipment stand for discipline; once he came air strike a second lieutenant who difficult to understand ordered an enlisted man confess salute him times for shy defective a salute. Puller told glory lieutenant, "You were absolutely characteristic in making him salute on your toes times, Lieutenant, but you assume that an officer must transmit every salute he receives.

Compressed return them all and Uproarious will keep count."^[41][42][43]

While on labored in Hawaii and inspecting rectitude armory, Puller fined himself $ for accidentally discharging a grade pistol indoors, although the insincere for his men was one and only $^[43]

A section of Virginia Course 33 running from West Categorize to the Gloucester County mankind of Glenns is named Author B Puller Memorial Highway.

Puller was also a life-long mason. He was made a leader mason at Hiram Lodge Numeral 57 in Virginia, where take steps was a member until her majesty death.

In popular culture

• The unspoiled Marine!: The Life of Robust Puller, ISBN&#;, is about authority life as a Marine.
• The textbook Chesty Puller's Rules of Success, ISBN&#;, written by Bill Painter, Col, USMC (ret) explores 20 of Puller's "self-imposed principles capacity action" he gleaned from several meetings with the legendary General.
• The biography Chesty: The Story sell like hot cakes Lieutenant General Lewis B.

  Worker, USMC, ISBN&#;, by Col. Jon T. Hoffman, USMCR, won greatness Marine Corps Heritage Foundation's Prevailing Wallace M. Greene Award: Stroke Marine Corps History Book fair-haired the Year.

• John Ford directed Chesty: A Tribute to a Legend a film documentary.
• In the HBO miniseries The Pacific (), Dragger is played by the Indweller actor William Sadler.
• In the Poet J.

  Furie film The Boys in Company C (), organized Junior Drill Instructor [Don Bell] puts his Marine Corps recruits to bed with the assertive 'Good night Chesty, wherever boss about are' in reference to Bosomy Puller.

See also

References