Lewis Burwell Puller's Accomplishments

The United States Marines Corps enlisted Private Lewis Burwell Puller in August of 1918, this young Private would go on to become one of the most decorated Marines in the Corps’ history. Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller spent the better part of 37 years dedicated to the Marine Corps and his Marines. Puller’s numerous battlefield accomplishments and 5 Navy Crosses make him a legend among Marines. Chesty was the epitome of selfless service placing our nation, the Marine Corps and every Marine that served under him ahead of his own personal needs and interests. Matthew and Martha Puller gave birth to Lewis Burwell on June 26, 1898 in a small town in West Point, Virginia. Lewis grew up listening to war stories from the civil war and wanted more than anything to enlist in the military. After a brief attendance at Virginia Military Institute Puller dropped out of college to enlist in the Marine Corps. Private Puller shipped off to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina in August of 1918. Almost hundred-years later and the Marine Corps is still teaching young Marines about the legendary accomplishments of Chesty Puller. The Navy Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism and is reserved for members of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. The second-highest award that can be presented …show more content…
After leading Marines in Peleliu, Puller would return stateside until he was assigned commander of the First Marine Regiment. The citation read, “Although the area was frequently covered by grazing machine-gun fire and intense artillery and mortar fire, he coolly moved along his troops to insure their correct tactical employment, reinforced the lines as the situation demanded, and successfully defended the perimeter…his skilled leadership, superb courage and valiant devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming