Chesty Puller Awards & Legacy of the USMC Legends

They are the ones of Lieutenant General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller. The name Marine Corps of the United.S. was in a large way the history of the most influential characters of the USMC. His service lasted for 37 years. As a matter of fact, Puller was involved in major conflicts one after another. Among these were World War II and the Korean War. What is more, his heroism was so beyond compare that he ended up with an impressive medal collection.

Chesty Puller is a Marine Corps legend whose life story is perhaps as interesting and educational as his combat performance. Born Lewis Burwell Puller, he arrived in this world in 1898 in West Point, Virginia. He was inspired by stories of the American Civil War. He joined Marines as a simple soldier in 1918. Very soon he gained recognition for his toughness and leadership. One of his characteristics, his broad chest and strong personality earned him the moniker “Chesty”.

Puller’s career included the “Banana Wars” during which the U.S. had actions in Haiti and Nicaragua. Later on, he went up the ladder. Being devoted to his men and having an unconquerable fighting spirit, he became a Marine legend. Sure, he is one of the most famous Marines by whom so much has been given.

The core of the Chesty Puller awards is a record that no other Marine has ever achieved. It is that of the Navy Cross.

Five Navy Crosses: Puller holds a record in the Marine Corps history of being the only one to be awarded the Navy Cross five times. Each time this was a feat of heroic combat.

His First Two Navy Crosses: During the guerrilla war in Nicaragua of the late 1920s and early 1930s, he gained these.

His Third and Fourth Navy Crosses: These two were given in recognition of his wartime feats during World War II. The third was at Guadalcanal in 1942. The fourth came at the Battle of Cape Gloucester in 1944.

His Fifth Navy Cross: With the aim of compelling leadership he was awarded the Navy Cross when he led the hard-fought breakout from the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War in late 1950. He is widely quoted as saying, “We’re not retreating, we’re just attacking in a different direction!”

Beyond  the Navy Cross: Chesty Puller’s List of Decorations:

Though the Navy Crosses are the most talked about, the list of Chesty Puller’s decorations is quite lengthy. He has it to show for a career spent almost literally in the forefront. These are some of his other major military honors:

Major Chesty Puller Awards for Valor:

Army Distinguished Service Cross: The one equivalent to the Navy Cross in the Army, the Distinguished Service Cross, was given to him because of his heroics at the Chosin Reservoir.

Silver Star: The award was given to him as a result of him showing most conspicuous gallantry during the Inchon landing in Korea in 1950.

Legion of Merit (with Combat ‘V’): He used to be awarded with it twice, each time for very exceptional merit in conduct and service.

Bronze Star Medal (with Combat ‘V’): A medal for heroic achievement in combat, given to Puller in World War II.

Air Medal (Thrice): It was granted to him for notable achievement while taking part in an aerial flight.

Purple Heart: One out of several Purple Hearts that Puller received for an instance when he was injured at the battle of Guadalcanal.

Chesty Puller formally decided to part with the Marines in 1955, his final rank being Lieutenant General.

His sayings, trying to embody the toughest and most inspiring of characters, are still very much a part of Marine Corps history and legend and, correspondingly, heavily used as an incentive for new recruits today.

Below are some of the sayings most often attributed to Chesty Puller:

 Chesty Puller’s Famous Sayings

“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 this time.

Pain is just weakness leaving the body.”

We are not retreating, we are just advancing in a different direction.

“Old breed? New breed? There’s not a damn bit of difference so long as it’s the Marine breed.

I want to be where the shooting is!”

Puller is no longer with us since 1971. His amazing life and the Chesty Puller awards he amassed are what make him one of the most prominent figures in the US military history.

He still serves as a strong exemplar of bravery and determination to every Marine. However, He is indeed the embodiment of the US military hero’s spirit. His story is a demonstration of exceptional service to the US. His deeds on the battlefield were the reason why so many crucial missions ended in success. Hence, he became a permanent character in the narrative of the American wars.