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Puller attended Virginia Military Institute until dropping out to join the Marines in August of 1918. Hoping to see service in World War I, he was appointed a second lieutenant in the reserves, but was discharged in 1919. Puller then re-entered the Marines as an enlisted man to serve in Haiti. Returning to the US in 1924, Puller was commissioned a second lieutenant. He then served in Nicaragua from 1928 to 1933 where he earned two Navy Crosses. After leaving Nicaragua, Puller went to China and commanded the famed "Horse Marines". Puller commanded the 7th Regiment of the 1st Marine Division during action on Guadalcanal in World War II. Where he earned his third Navy Cross on 24-25 October 1942 while his battalion defended Henderson Field against seasoned Japanese troops. Puller's men sustained less than 70 casualties while killing over 1400 Japanese and defending the airfield. In February 1944 while serving as executive officer of 7th Marines at Cape Gloucester, Puller moved through machine gun and mortar fire to take command of two battalions whose commanders had been killed. This action Puller earned his fourth Navy Cross. Puller landed with the 1st Marines at Inchon, Korea, in September of 1950. Puller continued to serve in Korea until May of 1951. LtGen Puller retired in 1955 after serving 37 years and earning five Navy Crosses, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit with "V", the Bronze Star, the Bronze Star with "V", the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart. In 1966, at the age of 68, Puller requested to return to active duty for service in Vietnam, but was turned down due to his age. Chesty Puller died October 11, 1971 in Hampton, Virginia.
"All right… 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." "We're surrounded... that simplifies our problem." "Son, if they give you any shit, level the place."
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Born
June 26, 1898 in West Point, Virginia.