Reviews

Marine! The Life of Chesty Puller by Burke Davis

xxstefaniereadsxx's review against another edition

informative slow-paced

3.0

 Lewis Burwell Puller, also known as Chesty, was born in Virginia in 1898. He enrolled in the Virginia Military Institute, but left to join the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted as a private and went through boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. He attended officer school, and graduated from there as a Second Lieutenant. He was part of the United States occupation in Haiti. (Banana Wars) He went on to serve during World War II in the Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and New Britain. He also served in the Korean wat at Chosin Reservoir, Seoul, and Inchon. He received a multitude of awards and medals, earning himself the title of most decorated Marine. He and his wife Virginia went on to have a son, named after his father, who also served as a Marine. Unfortunately, his son was severely wounded in Vietnam and lost both of his legs and parts of his hands. He died in 1971 at age 73. He is buried in Virginia.

I picked this book up because it was in the World War II section at my local used book store. I had heard this name before, but did not know much about this man. He really loved the Marine Corps and his service. He was a very intelligent and respected leader. This book was a great asset in learning about his and his service during World War II. I recommend it for anyone interested in war history or the Marine Corps. I did look into his son, who has a book of his own about his personal experience (Fortunate Son) if you are interested. His son died via suicide in 1994. I also thought it was interesting that he was related to General Patton, another notable military figure. Overall, this was a pretty good book. I enjoyed it. 

kagedbooks's review against another edition

5.0

You might have to be a Marine to really understand how truely awesome this guy was.