Lewis (Chesty) Puller

Lewis

"All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away from us now!" (Puller, "Chesty" Lewis) Who knew that the army boy who just wanted to go to war would end up as the world's greatest marine in history: Lewis Puller was born in West Point Virginia on June 26, 1898 and was a cousin of General George S. Patton. He was soon committed to a military future. Puller enrolls in the Virginia Military Institute in 1917 in hopes to go to war. The army became a disappointment for Puller; the text books didn't cut out for his military career. While in school the only excitement was on the rifle range and that didn't satisfy him since he became a hunter at a young age. After being on inactive duty he risked his rank of officer and enlisted in the Marine Corps. After seeing action he was awarded his first naval cross and was given the nickname "Chesty" for the way his chest puffed out. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller was the only marine in history who received five Naval Crosses, the most prestigious award, for his leadership, courageous actions, determination and commitment just by fighting for what was right.

Lewis

Lewis "Chesty" Puller fought for what he believed in and he couldn't have gotten there without setting goals and having determination. According to the Marine Corps he was the greatest marine but only few knew why he joined the Corps: "Puller attended the Virginia Military Institute, but he left in 1918 to enlist in the Marine Corps. The United States was involved in World War I at that time, but the war ended while Puller was still in officer training. In 1919, Puller achieved the rank of second lieutenant but was then released from active duty. He reenlisted as a private and was sent to Haiti, where the Marine Corps was helping to suppress armed rebels opposed to the Haitian government. As an acting officer in command of Haitian troops." (Hoffman, Jon) Puller's dream was to be a soldier and he would do whatever it takes to accomplish his goal. No matter what the risks are he knows what he is doing is right. Puller didn't want to stand and watch Americans die; he wanted to fight along with his brothers shedding blood, sweat, and tears. Puller was in the Marines his whole life and he would not rest until he died: “Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller was forced to retire from the U.S. Marine Corps because of ill health. He would later request to return to service only to be denied." (Wineman, Bradford) Puller was true and loyal to the Marine Corps and he wouldn't stop until he died because he loved his country so much that he would die for it. With his career it's hard to believe he fought through those bloody battles and managed to survive. However, he probably wished he died on the battlefield instead of waiting for the end. His last request before he died would be to die in the combat zone and fall in a fight with his brothers-in-arms. Puller's determination showed how you can accomplish your goals by never giving up, no matter what it takes.

Lewis

When people see Puller they think of a flashy general with all his ribbons but only others knew the truth about his leadership and what he sacrificed. Puller was known throughout the marines that soon led to be a motivation of the Marine Corps: "Hoffman, who wrote the biography "Chesty," said the chest full of medals didn't make the general stand out. What did was "the way he led people. This is the way everybody is now taught to lead: Do what Chesty Puller did." (Chesty Puller's Solid War Mettle Face the Fire) You would think if you saw his medals he would stand out like a sore thumb but you should respect what he has gone through to receive all those medals. Puller has impacted others that they should do what he did; he is a great leader to follow. Puller was the hero of the marines, he represents the marines, and became a symbol for the Marine Corps: "Lewis "Chesty" Puller was no armchair officer. He led from the front. While rising from private to three-star general, he displayed a dedication to duty, his country and his men that made him the enduring icon of the Marine Corps. His role in these campaigns helped make him a symbol of the strength, courage, and determination of the Marines." (Chesty Pullers Solid War Mettle Face the Fire) Marines are taught to be like Puller because his traits value the Marine Corps so every marine should have the same attitude and motivation like Puller. The Marine Corps values are honor, courage, and commitment which Puller possessed are values that every marine should have and he will continue impacting the lives of other marines. Puller's greatness will never be matched but how he impacted others will inspire future generations.

Puller never gave up succeeding his goals and no matter what it takes he fought for what he believes in. "We're surrounded. That simplifies the problem." (Puller, "Chesty" Puller) Through his attitude of fighting, he increased the morale and confidence of his men. His leadership really leads by example which every marine should cherish. His commitment and loyalty to the marines by wanting to fight at such an old age keeps him doing what he loves best. Chesty Puller represents the Marine Corps for who they are. He is an inspiration or a fear factor for his enemies. He doesn't just inspire the military, he inspires people everywhere. He sacrificed and even risked his life to fulfill his dreams. He greatly impacts the marines: "The chest full of medals didn't make the general stand out. What did was "the way he led people. This is the way everybody is now taught to lead: Do what Chesty Puller did." (Hoffman, Jon) If you were a marine and didn't know who Chesty was you should be ashamed. War is gruesome and Chesty Puller made it his dream. But everyone should respect all men and women in the military. Puller chose to sacrifice his life for the safety of others. He may have not saved your life but he fought for what he believed in.

Work Cited

“Chesty Pullers Solid War Mettle Face The Fire: The Marine officer rallied his men in WWII and Korea.” Investor’s Business Daily 22 June 2010: AO3. Gale Student Resource in Context. Web. 10 Dec. 2010

Lt. Gen. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, “They Can’t Get Away This Time. “ Web. 10 Dec. 2010.

Wineman, Bradford A. “Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller (1898-1970).” Encyclopedia Virginia. Ed. Brendan Wolfe. 13 Dec. 2010. Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. 9 Sep. 2010.