Lewis B. (Chesty) Puller

What is hero? Well, to me a hero is someone that is very admirable or shows great courage. One of my heroes is Lt.General Lewis B. Puller. He change our nation and became the most decorated officer in the corps. He became more than a hero-- he was an American legend.

"Chesty" puller enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1918 and became a legendary marine hero that fought in wars from Haiti in 1919 through the Korean War. He became the most decorated officer. In the corps "Chesty" became more than a hero he was an American legend. He is knows as "Chesty" Puller not only for his bull chest but also for his absolute fearlessness and devotion to duty.

"Chesty" came to the Marine Corps out of Virginia Military Institute. By the time he retired from the Corps in 1951 he had earned more awards than any Marine in history. He earned:5 navy crosses, the distinguished service cross, the silver star,2 legions of merit with "v" device, the bronze star, the air medal and the purple heart.

He also has a permanent monument which is in the hall of valor at the VMI Museum. Thousands of visitors visit each year to learn about the VMI men who made our nation great.

"Chesty" was a colorful veteran of the Korean War, four World War II campaigns, and expeditionary service in China, Nicaragua, and Haiti. In China he won a total of 14 personal decoration combats plus a long list of campaigns medal.

After 5 years in Haiti he returned to the U.S.A and in March 1926 Puller embaked fora 2 years tour to the marine baracks, Pearl Harbor. He served in San Diego until he joined the Nicaraguan nation were he won the first navy cross. He return in 1931 he enter the company of officers and he completed his course in 1933.

He was born July 26th, 1898 at West Point, Virginia and he attended the Virginia Military Institute until he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1918.

I think he is a hero because he was a man's man , a Marine's Marine.