Marine! The Life of Chesty Puller

I first heard of Gen. Puller about twenty years ago when I bought this book. He was a remarkable leader. Burke Davis is a fine historian and writer. This book is probably the best book on leadership in any context, whether in the military, political, business professions, or any others. At first I thought much of it was a bunch of bunk, but my further research has verified the claims in this book. Col. Jon Hoffman, USMC (reserves) , has written an excellent scholarly book on Puller with bibliography, and that book corroborates much of the Davis biography here.

This history was enthralling and inspiring. The story of a truly great man, a true leader in all respects. No wonder "Chesty" was the most decorated US Marine of all times,

What can I say, a must read for every American!!Even I as a child during WW11 knew Chesty Puller!...my family had its share of our young men i n the marines!They had respect and admiration for him . We listened to many stories of this positive, confident man. His firm belief in makinga young man into a marine for life is still needed today! A love for country and price in serving our countryOur country today has lost the price we had , people have strayed from upholding the values we once had. Our children have no true heros and no respect for others. Our peoples are so materiel minded, want everything right now and without earning it.I find this true story exciting, well written, the personal correspondence between Cheery and wife revealing the strength of their love endearing, revealing the softer side of this man,. He knew himself, believed in his self and his rose through the ranks, from private to general shows his focus on learning, working hard, and attaining his promotions one at a time. Remarkable man, astounding strength to stick to ideals of the true marine. Wish we had more Chesty Pul!ens

An Enjoyable, Well Written and Informative Read about a Truly Great American Marine whose presence is needed on an every-generation basis!

Wonderful biography of Chesty Puller. He was in the right places at the right times during his career. Another plus to reading this is the military history. I knew nothing about Haiti and Nicaragua until I read this book. Fascinating man.

I really enjoyed reading the story about Lewis 'Chesty' Puller. His life story reads like a novel. This is an outstanding book. I encourage everyone to read the story of a great American hero.

I think this book is pretty excellent. I rounded up from 4.5 stars to 5 stars. The pace is pretty long at the beginning but that is what shaped him to be. The World War 2 portion was pretty fast-paced because he was everywhere at once. The only thing I wished to know more about his approach with the psychology behind his mind. Like how did he face such adversity and stand tall. Overall was really enjoyable to read!

Burke Davis’ biography of Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller vividly portrays the military life of a man who was a professional in the best sense of that word. He studied the men and the tactics they employed in the U. S. Civil War before he enlisted in the Marines. As a sergeant he led patrols fighting guerrillas in Haiti and Nicaragua. Later, as an officer, he led Marines in China as CO of the 2nd Battalion, Fourth Marines. (I served in 2/4 and other parts of the Fourth Marines from 1959 to 1962 when it was located on Oahu.) He strongly believed that tough training and knowledge of the enemy were keys to success in battle. The book also details Chesty’s leadership in the First Marines during the battle of Guadalcanal. The Army was so impressed with him that soldiers were added to Chesty’s battalion so they could learn how to defeat the Japanese. Chesty believed that a leader should be out in front with his troops, setting the example, and inspiring them to accomplish the mission no matter how desperate the situation. He did this during the invasion of Peleliu and later in Korea during the Inchon landing, the capture of Seoul, and in the freezing terror of the Chosin Reservoir. He must have had a guardian angel watching over him during all this combat for he was wounded only once in his leg with shrapnel. Many legends sprung up about Chesty. When informed at the Chosin that they were surrounded by the enemy, he replied in a positive way; the Marines could now shoot in ay direction and hit the enemy. Chesty was a devoted family man and wrote daily to his wife, Virginia, who looked after their daughter, also named Virginia, and later their son, Lewis Jr. After the Korean War was over, Chesty commanded units on both U. S. coasts, the latter one at Camp Lejeune, NC. During this time he became ill and was required to have tests performed at the Naval Hospital in Bethesda, MD. He adamantly maintained that he was fit for duty but the medical authorities mandated his retirement. There is still an aura of some skulduggery about this; many in the military believed that Chesty was being punished for being “politically incorrect,” always speaking his mind while ignoring the consequences. Chesty retired as a Lieutenant General in October 1955 at age 57 and lived until 1971. In March 1980, the U. S. S. Lewis B. Puller (FFG-23) was launched and sponsored by Mrs. Puller. My youngest son, Chris, served on this ship in the early 1990s and I had the opportunity to spend time with him for a “Family Day” cruise from Long Beach Harbor out into the Pacific Ocean. In the wardroom there is a display of Chesty’s fifty-three medals and ribbons including his five Navy Crosses and the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross, testifying that he was the most decorated Marine in our country’s history.

A story of the life and advancement of the most decorated Marine in the history of the Marine Corp, from boy to retired General. A man incapable of being petty or mean-spirited. he was known as having a heart as big as the great outdoors. He was devoted to the Corp and the men he led. WW 1 ended after he finished boot camp so he began his military experience in Haiti where he was so successful suppressing bandits in the hills that he was asked to become Governor while still in his early twenties. A relation of Robert E. Lee and General Patton he was a proud Virginian whose love for his wife was transcended only by his beloved Corp. A fascinating read for military lovers and even those who aren't. His leadership at Guadalcanal and Korea remained outstanding. He was revered by every man he led in battle or out. The men he led and who knew him became his fan club. A book difficult to put down. Highly recommended.

I like very good

VFM. Those who want to become immortal soldiers please read this. Cannot put down.

This book is very hard to put down, it is the story of a marine from private to General. He loved his country and the marines. His affection for his men, in particular his NCO's and privates. He was greatly loved in return by them all. He led his men from the front right up to and in the frontline. He's the most decorated marine in history. Where's the film? Enjoy

However, I am very pleased Chesty is dead and gone. It would break his heart to see the ultimate victory of the Communists over a once proud America. It is a mercy that he does not have to witness what America has become, taking a knee to her arch enemy.Having said that, I believe that Chesty Puller was the single best leader America has produced throughout her entire history. May he rest in peace.