Chesty: The Story of Lieutenant General Lewis B. Puller, USMC

Really enjoyed the story of Lewis 'Chesty' Puller one of the most famous Marines in history. The author does a good job of being as factual as possible. The story covers Puller's life with particular focus on all of his combat experiences throughout Haiti, Nicaragua, WWII and Korea. The story demonstrates how Chesty was not a fan of staff officers (waste of good man power) and formal training (because he struggled with it and believed in actual experience). His frustration with how the Korean war was managed and finally his 'forced' removal from the Marines (even though there was strong medical reason to support his retirement).

Overall, it is a really interesting story and I would recommend it to all fans of military history.

4917. Chesty The Story of Lieutenant General Lewis B. Puller, USMC, by LtCol Jon T. Hoffman, USMCR (read 26 Apr 2012) This is a 2001 biography of LtGen Lewis Puller (1898-1971), written by a Marine officer. It quotes lots of favorable things about its subject, but also indicates flaws in his views and actions to some extent. I thought the account of his time in Haiti and Nicaragua was more detailed than necessary--though Puller obviously felt it very important. The account of his time in World War Ii and Korea was often exciting, especially the well-related account of the fearsome fighting on Peleliu. I also was not impressed by Puller's fierce efforts to not be found physically unfit for further service in 1954 and 1955 less than show more commendable. And after retirement he had some ideas which were less than admirable, I thought. But there are good parts in the book and Marines will no doubt be admiring of the book show less