Marine!: The Life of Chesty Puller

One of my favorite heroes from the era. His men loved him. Higher command was jealous of him. One of the best soldiers in American history.

This book is about the most decorated Marine, Chesty Puller. The writing brings to life a period in history between World War I and the Korean War. It is a portrayal of integrity, bravery, and service. We need more people like Mr. Puller.

The book kept an interesting tone from his childhood. To early campaigns and into the Marines. It is a story of WWI, WW2, and Korea. Each phase of his career is nicely told.

I loved this book. My father was a WWII and Korean (Army) veteran. He rarely spoke of it and now I see why. General Puller lead by example and serves as example of ideal military man.

Burke Davis’ biography of Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller vividly portrays the military life of a man who was a professional in the best sense of that word. He studied the men and the tactics they employed in the U. S. Civil War before he enlisted in the Marines. As a sergeant he led patrols fighting guerrillas in Haiti and Nicaragua. Later, as an officer, he led Marines in China as CO of the 2nd Battalion, Fourth Marines. (I served in 2/4 and other parts of the Fourth Marines from 1959 to 1962 when it was located on Oahu.) He strongly believed that tough training and knowledge of the enemy were keys to success in battle. The book also details Chesty’s leadership in the First Marines during the battle of Guadalcanal. The Army was so impressed with him that soldiers were added to Chesty’s battalion so they could learn how to defeat the Japanese. Chesty believed that a leader should be out in front with his troops, setting the example, and inspiring them to accomplish the mission no matter how desperate the situation. He did this during the invasion of Peleliu and later in Korea during the Inchon landing, the capture of Seoul, and in the freezing terror of the Chosin Reservoir. He must have had a guardian angel watching over him during all this combat for he was wounded only once in his leg with shrapnel. Many legends sprung up about Chesty. When informed at the Chosin that they were surrounded by the enemy, he replied in a positive way; the Marines could now shoot in ay direction and hit the enemy. Chesty was a devoted family man and wrote daily to his wife, Virginia, who looked after their daughter, also named Virginia, and later their son, Lewis Jr. After the Korean War was over, Chesty commanded units on both U. S. coasts, the latter one at Camp Lejeune, NC. During this time he became ill and was required to have tests performed at the Naval Hospital in Bethesda, MD. He adamantly maintained that he was fit for duty but the medical authorities mandated his retirement. There is still an aura of some skulduggery about this; many in the military believed that Chesty was being punished for being “politically incorrect,” always speaking his mind while ignoring the consequences. Chesty retired as a Lieutenant General in October 1955 at age 57 and lived until 1971. In March 1980, the U. S. S. Lewis B. Puller (FFG-23) was launched and sponsored by Mrs. Puller. My youngest son, Chris, served on this ship in the early 1990s and I had the opportunity to spend time with him for a “Family Day” cruise from Long Beach Harbor out into the Pacific Ocean. In the wardroom there is a display of Chesty’s fifty-three medals and ribbons including his five Navy Crosses and the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross, testifying that he was the most decorated Marine in our country’s history.

The story of Chesty Puller is definitely one worth telling, but I found Davis’ train of thought difficult to follow at times. I often found myself wondering why he chose certain anecdotes for this re-telling of the Puller legend.

Honesty. Integrity. Good heart. A man I would be proud to follow. A legend. What more can be said about a true maverick (rose from private to Lt. General) as Chesty Puller? He epitomizes the best traditions of the United States Marine Corps.

I have read many books concerning generals and admirals in our military branches. They all have their own leadership styles, but I have to say, that Chesty Puller seems to be the most popular by far with his men. General Puller led from the front and really expressed his concern for his men verbally and by his actions. He was also not afraid to express his concerns about mismanagement by superiors when it came to waging war.

This book is very hard to put down, it is the story of a marine from private to General. He loved his country and the marines. His affection for his men, in particular his NCO's and privates. He was greatly loved in return by them all. He led his men from the front right up to and in the frontline. He's the most decorated marine in history. Where's the film? Enjoy

An enthralling story about an amazing marine, surely one ofthe greatest of soldiers in the 20th century. I was touched by the moving letters to his wife. His devotion to the ordinary marines and NCOs provides a great lesson to all leaders

Brilliant book adding to my knowledge of Chesty Puler

For once an amazing story of an American officer of the highest quality.

A story of the life and advancement of the most decorated Marine in the history of the Marine Corp, from boy to retired General. A man incapable of being petty or mean-spirited. he was known as having a heart as big as the great outdoors. He was devoted to the Corp and the men he led. WW 1 ended after he finished boot camp so he began his military experience in Haiti where he was so successful suppressing bandits in the hills that he was asked to become Governor while still in his early twenties. A relation of Robert E. Lee and General Patton he was a proud Virginian whose love for his wife was transcended only by his beloved Corp. A fascinating read for military lovers and even those who aren't. His leadership at Guadalcanal and Korea remained outstanding. He was revered by every man he led in battle or out. The men he led and who knew him became his fan club. A book difficult to put down. Highly recommended.