Berwell Puller: The Heart Of The Marine Corps

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Lieutenant General Lewis Berwell Puller: The Heart of the Marine Corps The United States Marine Corps, established in 1775, is known for their production of the strongest offensive soldiers that defend our country. Their training includes amplified endurance, multiple styles of hand to hand combat, and artillery accuracy. Marines are trained to be the steel of the front lines that cut through and push back enemy lines. The branch rose to this dedication primarily in the 1940-50s thanks to one warrior-leader’s dedication to his country and men in his command. Lieutenant Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller is the prime model of every marine due to his dedication to service, desire to better his men through training and education, and the instilment of esprit de corps. Lewis B. Puller was born June 26, 1898 in West Point, VA, to Matthew and Martha Puller (Hickman). The boy learned responsibility early on when his father died when he was ten, leaving Lewis to help his mother earn money for the family. His interest was on military at an early age, wishing to join the US Army in 1916 but was unable to since he was underage and did not receive his mother’s consent. 1917 led him to the Virginia Military Institute where he had the opportunity to see a Marine Corps display. He abandoned his studies and joined the Marines instead. Chesty’s dedication to serving his country made him stand out as a warrior-leader, a soldier to led by example. The military forces had to downsize after WWII, making Chesty an inactive member. He remained loyal until he was brought active again where his career was ripe with opportunity to serve. Chesty spent 27 of 37 active duty years at sea or overseas, holding the title of the most navy crosses a marine has earned f... ... middle of paper ... ...anch, can admire. Puller’s heart and dedication should fuel the actions of today. References Hickman, K. (n.d.). World war II/Korean War: Lieutenant General Lewis "Chesty" Puller. Retrieved from http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/WorldWarIILeaders/p/World-War-Ii-Korean-War-Lieutenant-General-Lewis-Chesty-Puller.htm Kellet, A. (1982). Combat motivation. (pp. 41-42). Boston, MA: Kluwer-Nijhoff Publishing. Patrick, B. K. (n.d.). Lt. gen. lewis berwell puller. Retrieved from http://www.military.com/Content/MoreContent?file=ML_puller_bkp Quintrall, M. M. L. (1998). The chesty puller paragon: Leadership dogma or model doctrine. (Master's thesis, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College). Salmoni, D. B. A., & Holmes-Eber, D. P. (2008).Operational culture for the warfighter: Principles and applications. (p. Foreward). Quantico, Virginia: Marine Corpse University.

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