The Most Ruthless Marine Who Ever Served

It was one of the most dire moments of the Korean War - the US X Corps found themselves trapped by Chinese forces at the Chosin Reservoir. Nearly 120,000 Communist soldiers had the high ground, encircling 30,000 UN and American troops below.

Yet, in the face of annihilation, Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller, commander of the 1st Marines, liked his odds. To rally his men, Puller challenged them with the words: (QUOTE): “We’ve been hunting the enemy for a while... Now we’re surrounded. That simplifies things.”

The 52-year-old Puller exemplified his motto (QUOTE) “Old breed? New breed? There’s not a damn bit of difference as long as it’s the Marine breed.” And now he was about to show the Chinese what Marines were really made of…

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[jamesrussell]

Every Marine, myself included, will always hold Chesty in awe. His actual words at the Frozen Chosin were, “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.” Semper Fi!

[jbos]

My great uncle was a marine. He served in every major campaign in the Pacific and he was standing beside Chesty Puller's brother when he was killed. Later Uncle Alex met Chesty Puller and Chesty asked him what kind of a man his brother was. My uncle answered, "he was a SOB." Without missing a beat Chesty said, "you knew him." I wish I had had the sense to ask more question and listen to more stories from Uncle Alex and all of the older people I knew. Now they're all gone and I'm old.

[sisleymichael]

I still remember saying prayers in my bunk at MCRD San Diego in 1979 and the entire platoon in unison asking for God to bless Chesty wherever he was. He was and will remain one of the Marine legends, those that went above and beyond.

[ak]

My dad was 96 when he passed away in 2020. He was a Marine in 1944 to 55. Okinawa and China in 45 1st Marines and in China the 1st Mardiv Mp company. Korea 1st Marines again Inchon to Hagaru/ Chosin. Now my youngest at 20 is serving in the 5th Marines!

[orlandofurioso]

Yes indeed! His son served in Vietnam as a 1st Lt. Severely injured losing both legs. Became a lawyer after his medical discharge. Suffered severe depression and alcoholism the rest of his life. Took his life in 1994. Chesty's shadow still inspires USMC lore to this day. Rraahh!

[sneville]

I always liked the t-shirt with a face shot of Chesty Puller which read: “Chuck Norris?…never heard of her”.

[daystatesniper]

As i am from the UK the word hero is often banded about, but this man WAS/IS a hero, ,and standing shoulder to shoulder with his men shows true leadership .Sir i salute you and your brave fellow Marines.

[michaeltaylor]

A testimony to leadership. Do not show weakness, broadcast strength. Do not sow doubt, advertise belief. Stand in front of, not behind the men. Puller became a legend by being a Marine.

[jakesanchez]

My grandfather served in Korea in 1951 with the 1st Marine Division with easy company 2 battalion/7th Marines, and transferred to Charlie company 1 battalion / 7th Marines. He was injured prior to being transferred to 1/7 from a grenade blast.

He is still living, and I’m extremely proud of his service during his time in the Marine Corps.

[patrickdurham]

I got out of the Corps in the late 80s but I still say in my mind "Good night Chesty wherever you are" and i hope to meet him someday on the other side of the line of life.
Semper Fidelis Marines.

[sterlingarcher]

Im a Brit, was in the Army from 95-07, then a CP operator from 07-16.

Along the way, i worked with alot of Americans, of all services and specialities, including marines.

Because of all that, even I know and respect this behemoth of heroism and leadership.

[exmarine]

Puller’s Marines took Seoul street by street. The North Koreans knew these Marines were not like US Army units they had fought, and knew the Marines by their yellow canvas leggings, and used the phrase, “Beware of the yellow legs.”

[FaydsterTV]

Chesty Puller was just born on a different planet. Man was quite literally built different.

[rockymntdan]

My step dad was in Chesty's unit there. Rest in peace Tom.
He said every reunion Chesty attended. Chesty would always greet them with "you marines thaw out yet?"

[Gunners_Mate_Guns]

Heroes get remembered, legends never die.
Chesty Puller will be talked about centuries from now.

[fyreantz]

"Sir! We're surrounded!!!"

"Great! Now we can shoot in every direction!!!"

[doodskie]

There are many men who can fight
But there are a few men who are born to fight
This guy will forever be a legend

[dannyt]

every night out in the field ready for bed. someone would let out a "goodnight Chesty, where ever you are" this man has rippled through the times and still continues to. Goat

[Thebustedknuckelmodelworks]

My grandfather served on Iwo Jima and again in Korea and my GreatUncle served in Korea. Both had extreme respect for Gen. Puller

[johnlyngdal]

A friend of mine and fellow Marine was at Chosin during the battle.
He set me straight on more than one occasion, but consider those events as valuable learning experience.