Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller was a United States Marine Corps lieutenant general who fought guerrillas in Haiti and Nicaragua, and fought in World War II and the Korean War. Puller is the most decorated Marine in American history.
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 father's 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. 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 Vandegrift's 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, Puller's 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.
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, Puller's 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.