Chesty Puller - Early Life: The son of a grocer, Lewis B. Chesty Puller was born June 26, 1898, at West Point, VA. Educated locally, Puller was forced to aid in supporting his family after his fathers death when he was ten. Interested in military matters from a young age, he attempted to join the US Army in 1916 to take part in the Punitive Expedition to capture Mexican leader Pancho Villa. Underage at the time, Puller was blocked by his mother who refused to consent to his enlistment. In 1917, he followed his martial interest to the Virginia Military Institute. Chesty Puller - Joining the Marines: With the US entry into World War I in April 1917, Puller quickly became restless and tired of his studies. Inspired by the US Marines performance at Belleau Wood, he departed VMI and enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Completing basic training at Parris Island, SC, Puller received an appointment to officer candidate school. Passing through the course at Quantico, VA, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant on June 16, 1919. His time as an officer proved brief, as a postwar reduction in the USMC saw him moved to the inactive list ten days later. Chesty Puller - Haiti: Not willing to forego his military career, Puller rejoined the Marines on June 30 as an enlisted man with the rank of corporal. Assigned to Haiti, he served in the Gendarmerie dHaiti as a lieutenant and aided in combating Cacos rebels. Formed under a treaty between the US and Haiti, the gendarmerie possessed American officers, largely Marines, and Haitian enlisted personnel. While in Haiti, Puller worked to regain his commission and served as adjutant to Major Alexander Vandegrift. Returning to the US in March 1924, he was successful in obtaining a commission as a second lieutenant. Chesty Puller - Navy Crosses: Over the next four years, Puller moved through a variety of barracks assignments that took him from the East Coast to Pearl Harbor. In December 1928, he received orders to join a detachment of the Nicaraguan National Guard. Arriving in Central America, Puller spent the next two years battling bandits. For his efforts in mid-1930, he was awarded the Navy Cross. Returning home in 1931, he completed the Company Officers Course before again sailing for Nicaragua. Remaining until October 1932, Puller won a second Navy Cross for his performance against the insurgents. Chesty Puller - Overseas & Afloat: In early 1933, Puller sailed to join the Marine Detachment at the American Legation in Beijing, China. While there, he led the famed Horse Marines before departing to oversee the detachment aboard the cruiser USS Augusta. While aboard, he came knew the cruisers skipper, Captain Chester W. Nimitz. In 1936, Puller was made an instructor at the Basic School in Philadelphia. After three years in the classroom, he returned to Augusta. This homecoming proved short as he went ashore in 1940 for service with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines at Shanghai. Chesty Puller - World War II: In August 1941, Puller, now major, departed China to take command of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines at Camp Lejeune. He was in this role when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the US entered World War II. In the months that followed, Puller prepared his men for war and the battalion sailed to defend Samoa. Arriving in May 1942, his command remained in the islands through the summer until being ordered to join Vandegrifts 1st Marine Division during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Coming ashore in September, his men quickly went into action along the Matanikau River. Coming under intense attack, Puller won a Bronze Star when he signaled USS Monssen to aid in rescuing trapped American forces. In late October, Pullers battalion played a key role during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Holding back massive Japanese attacks, Puller won a third Navy Cross for his performance, while one his men, Staff Sergeant John Basilone, received the Medal of Honor. After the division left Guadalcanal, Puller was made executive officer of the 7th Marine Regiment. In this role, he took part in the Battle of Cape Gloucester in late 1943 and early 1944. Chesty Puller - Leading from the Front: During the opening weeks of the campaign, Puller won a fourth Navy Cross for his efforts in directing Marine units in attacks against the Japanese. On February 1, 1944, Puller was promoted to colonel and later took command of the 1st Marine Regiment. Finishing the campaign, Pullers men sailed for the Russell Islands in April before preparing for the Battle of Peleliu. Landing on the island in September, Puller fought to overcome a tenacious Japanese defense. For his work during the engagement, he received the Legion of Merit. Chesty Puller - The Korean War: With the island secured, Puller returned to the US in November to lead the Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Lejeune. He was in this role when the war ended in 1945. In the years after World War II, Puller oversaw a variety of commands including the 8th Reserve District and the Marine Barracks at Pearl Harbor. With the outbreak of the Korean War, Puller again took command of the 1st Marine Regiment. Preparing his men, he took part in General Douglas MacArthurs landings at Inchon in September 1950. For his efforts during the landings, Puller won the Silver Star and a second Legion of Merit. Taking part in the advance into North Korea, Puller played a key role in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in November and December. Performing brilliantly against overwhelming numbers, Puller earned the Distinguished Service Cross from the US Army and fifth Navy Cross for his role in the battle. Promoted to brigadier general in January 1951, he briefly served as assistant commander of the 1st Marine Division before temporarily taking command the following month after the transfer of Major General O.P. Smith. He remained in this role until returning to the United States in May. Chesty Puller - Later Career Briefly leading the 3rd Marine Brigade at Camp Pendleton, Puller remained with the unit when it became the 3rd Marine Division in January 1952. Promoted to major general in September 1953, he was given command of the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune the following July. Plagued by decaying health, Puller was forced to retire on November 1, 1955. One of the most decorated Marines in history, Puller won the nations second-highest decorations six times as well as received two Legions of Merit, a Silver Star, and a Bronze Star. Receiving a final promotion to lieutenant general, Puller retired to Virginia where he died on October 11, 1971.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 13:02:48 +0000
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