Lewis Burwell (Chesty) Puller

Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller

Lewis Burwell Puller was born on 26 June 1898 in West Point, Virginia. He attended the Virginia Military Institute before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in August 1918. Commissioned in the Marine Corps Reserve in June 1919, he was placed on inactive duty during the postwar reductions. Determined to serve, he reenlisted and went to Haiti, serving with its Marine-led constabulary. He received a regular Marine commission in March 1924.

Puller earned his first Navy Cross for leading patrols in Nicaragua in 1930, and his second for operations in September and October 1932. During the latter campaign, his small force overcame repeated ambushes while operating far from support. Subsequent assignments included commanding the mounted “Horse Marines” in China and the Marine detachment aboard USS Augusta. [1][2]

During the Second World War, Puller commanded 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, on Guadalcanal. His defence against Japanese attacks on 24–25 October 1942 earned his third Navy Cross. His fourth recognized leadership at Cape Gloucester, including taking charge of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, after its commanding officer and executive officer were wounded. He later commanded the 1st Marines at Peleliu. [2]

Returning to combat in Korea in 1950, Puller received the Silver Star for the Inchon landing and his second Legion of Merit for service from 15 September to 2 November. At Chosin Reservoir, his Distinguished Service Cross recognized actions from 29 November to 4 December; his fifth Navy Cross covered 5–10 December, including defending Koto-ri and protecting the division’s withdrawal. [2]

Promoted to brigadier general in January 1951, Puller subsequently held senior commands, including the 2nd Marine Division. Illness brought his career to an end in 1955, when he retired with the rank of lieutenant general. He died on 11 October 1971, aged 73, and was buried at Christ Church Cemetery in Middlesex County, Virginia. His five Navy Crosses remain unmatched among Marines. [1]

Sources

[1] Marine Corps History Division: Lieutenant General Lewis B. Puller

[2] Military Times Hall of Valor: Puller’s award citations and summaries