Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > The Lounge
o

Notices

The Lounge A Catch-All Area for NON-GUN topics.
PUT GUN TOPICS in the GUN FORUMS.
Keep it Family Friendly. See The Rules for Banned Topics!


Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 09-18-2009, 09:04 PM
bmhiii's Avatar
bmhiii bmhiii is offline
Member
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,501
Likes: 0
Liked 24 Times in 18 Posts
Default A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered. Tanx!

Just a few questions for our Marines:

1. Is there a biography of Chesty Puller that is required or suggested reading for Marines?

2. If so, what is it?

3. If you have read it, is it a good read?

4. I would like to get a Marine lapel pin like the one pictured below. There are plenty on the net, but I want a real one. Where can I obtain one?

5. If I get one of the lapel pins, would it be offensive to Marines if I wear it? I would like to wear it because I support (not literally as in pay for) the Marines.

My interest developed from a friend I have made that runs a charity that sends care packages to our Armed Services folks in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her son is serving his 3rd or 4th tour in one of those places. I donate money to this charity on a regular basis.

Disclaimer: I also support all our Armed Forces personnel, just have a particular fondness for the Marines. Why? I do not know, but it is what it is....

Thanks in advance for your time and attention.

Barry D. Harsh


__________________
Barry, youngest son of Claud

Last edited by bmhiii; 09-18-2009 at 10:09 PM.
  #2  
Old 09-18-2009, 09:23 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,471
Likes: 88,955
Liked 24,778 Times in 8,481 Posts
Default

There are two biographies of Lewis Burwell (Chesty) Puller. The older one is Marine! The Life of Chesty Puller written by Burke Davis. The newest one is Chesty The Story of Lieutenant General Lewis B Puller USMC by Colonel Jon T Hoffman USMCR.

The one by Davis is based a lot on stories told by Chesty. In the author's note, Davis states that he takes Chesty's point of view. It appears that Chesty started to believe some of his legend over the years.

Col Hoffman's book is more balanced.

The things that Chesty did and experienced over the years really don't need to be exaggerated.

Please note that I consider General Puller one of my personal heroes and wish that I could have met him. No finer Marine ever pulled on a boot.

Buy both books. I have read Davis's book at least a dozen times. It was one of the few I took with me to Kosovo and Afghanistan.

As to the pin, if you find one and wear it, be aware that many former Marines will greet you with a "Semper Fi!" and will want to know when you served and where. A few might not like you wearing it, as being a Marine is something you earn.

Jack Webb was one of the biggest supporters of the Marine Corps that ever lived and he served in the Army Air Corps IIRC.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Last edited by Muley Gil; 09-18-2009 at 09:33 PM.
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 09-18-2009, 09:28 PM
sar4937 sar4937 is offline
Member
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: southeast nebraska
Posts: 1,612
Likes: 731
Liked 330 Times in 166 Posts
Default

Lt. Gen. "Chesty" Puller
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 09-18-2009, 09:32 PM
Ron H.'s Avatar
Ron H. Ron H. is offline
US Veteran
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 33
Liked 249 Times in 118 Posts
Default

Sir, years ago I read "Marine! The Life of Chesty Puller" by Burke Davis. Whether it's required reading or "the" book I don't know, but I liked it. I haven't read the Hoffman book.

FWIW, it kind of bugs me to see non-Marines wearing Marine Corps stuff. JMHO, though.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.
__________________
Wishin' don't make it so.
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 09-18-2009, 09:46 PM
Larrymcc1 Larrymcc1 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Default

I am an admirer of General Puller, I met him at Marine Corp Base Quantico, VA. in 1956 at the N.C.O. club when he retired. He stated the officer's were giving him a retirement party, but he would rather be with the enlisted men. I never served with him, but men I knew who did, swore by him and some men who served under him in Korea swore at him.
Semper Fi.
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 09-18-2009, 09:51 PM
nostraDONus's Avatar
nostraDONus nostraDONus is offline
Member
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: MichiGUN
Posts: 583
Likes: 5
Liked 101 Times in 34 Posts
Default

Barry,

Do what I do. Try and wear a flag pin or patch to show your respect for what those guys protect. Both my parents, yes Mom too, were Marines in WW2. I have the highest regard for the Marines, and all branches of service, and wouldn't want to wear the emblem just because it was not earned. That's just my opinion though. Do what you feel best. It's great that you want to show your appreciation for what they do.

Keep supporting our troops.
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 09-18-2009, 10:06 PM
bmhiii's Avatar
bmhiii bmhiii is offline
Member
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,501
Likes: 0
Liked 24 Times in 18 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Muley Gil View Post
.....

Buy both books. ...
I will get both, tanx Muley.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron H. View Post
...

FWIW, it kind of bugs me to see non-Marines wearing Marine Corps stuff. JMHO, though.
....
I respect your opinion and have closed the subject on the pin with "I won't wear one".

Quote:
Originally Posted by nostraDONus View Post
Barry,

Do what I do. Try and wear a flag pin or patch to show your respect for what those guys protect. .... and wouldn't want to wear the emblem just because it was not earned. .... Do what you feel best. It's great that you want to show your appreciation for what they do.

Keep supporting our troops.
I will wear the US flag to show my support, it's what I will feel best about. Correct in that I did not earn the right to wear one, I respect that and is one the reasons I asked. I do appreciate out troops and will continue to contribute what I can.

Thanks for the replies folks, I truly appreciate your input and opinions.

More comments are welcome but not needed.

Sincerely,

Barry D. Harsh
__________________
Barry, youngest son of Claud

Last edited by bmhiii; 09-18-2009 at 10:08 PM. Reason: Punctuation
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 09-18-2009, 10:26 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,471
Likes: 88,955
Liked 24,778 Times in 8,481 Posts
Default

BTW, did you know that Chesty Puller and George S Patton were distant cousins?

Good old Virginia stock.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
  #9  
Old 09-18-2009, 10:41 PM
SPC SPC is offline
US Veteran
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

I can't remember the name of the book, but Chesty's son wrote an autobiography. It's a really great read, but pretty sad at the same time.
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 09-18-2009, 11:00 PM
LTC's Avatar
LTC LTC is offline
US Veteran
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: NW NJ
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 3,164
Liked 1,098 Times in 332 Posts
Default

I served my country and flag for 4 years in the USAF. I considered myself an airman for 4 years.

Most, if not all Marines, consider themselve Marines for life. Don't wear honors you haven't earned. Show your respect with a flag pin.

LTC
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #11  
Old 09-18-2009, 11:25 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,471
Likes: 88,955
Liked 24,778 Times in 8,481 Posts
Default

"I can't remember the name of the book, but Chesty's son wrote an autobiography. It's a really great read, but pretty sad at the same time."

Fortunate Son by Lewis B Puller Jr.

He lost both legs in Viet Nam as a Marine 2nd Lt.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
  #12  
Old 09-18-2009, 11:38 PM
GyMac GyMac is offline
US Veteran
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SW Washington
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 616
Liked 288 Times in 168 Posts
Default

Chesty Puller is still a hero and part of our tradition in the Marine Corps. No book devoted strictly to him is required reading, but I do remember reading about him in our Marine Corps History text at the SNCO Academy in 1985. I read the book, Marine! The Life of Chesty Puller, many years ago and enjoyed it.

Gy Mac
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 09-19-2009, 09:40 AM
Rangerpat's Avatar
Rangerpat Rangerpat is offline
US Veteran
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NW FL
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 828
Liked 1,159 Times in 563 Posts
Default

For all you former Marines, there is a guy in Oklahoma named Sgt. Grit that runs a catalog company of U.S.M.C. clothing, books, flags, patches, bumper stickers, etc. Just Google Sgt. Grit and you can find his website; he also has a donation program for sending care packages to our combat troops.
I bought a "Goodnight Chesty Puller wherever you are" t-shirt... something I said every night in boot camp in 1970; General Puller passed in 1971 I believe. Semper Fi to you all and God bless all of our U.S. Armed Forces personnel around the world.
__________________
"Life is short, hunt hard"
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 09-19-2009, 06:24 PM
Noah Zark's Avatar
Noah Zark Noah Zark is offline
Member
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: PA
Posts: 619
Likes: 2
Liked 60 Times in 21 Posts
Default

I see a lot of middle-aged men and women wearing a Marines T-shirt or sweatshirt, or a pin. If I greet them with a "Semper Fi" and don't get a "Semper Fi" or "Ooorah" in return, almost always I get "My son (or daughter) is a Marine, I'll pass that on."

Noah
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 03-03-2019, 05:56 PM
bulldog01 bulldog01 is offline
Member
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Utah
Posts: 9
Likes: 6
Liked 12 Times in 5 Posts
Default

This post is hundred years old, but I just wanted to say a couple of things. First, Jon Hoffman is a fantastic historian. He also wrote about Merrit "Red Mike" Edson another Marine legend. I always recommend Hoffman's books.

As for "Fortunate Son" by and about Lew Puller Jr, if you can get it on tape read by Puller himself please get that. He has an interview at the end that's moving as well as the book. Father, husband, son, Marine officer, combat veteran, lawyer, Pulitzer Prize winner. LT Puller died in 1994 of a self-inflicted wound a couple years after the book was published. His father was courageous and a hero but LT Puller was courageous in ways his father never had to be. Although he should never have left Vietnam alive, his wounds were that serious, I am forever grateful he wrote that book. It is dark and incomplete it tells a story of a warrior that ended with his death and is similar to that of thousands of warriors and veterans are living and fighting today. Semper Fi and God Bless Lew.

For Marines there is a strange bond and connectedness that many, even soldiers, sailors, and airmen may not understand. We would be confused that someone who is not a Marine would wear a Marine pin, and I think, we would be confused why they would want to. Dress blues, shower shoes and a light coat of oil. Outstanding Marine!

Last edited by bulldog01; 03-03-2019 at 05:58 PM.
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #16  
Old 03-03-2019, 06:03 PM
ditrina's Avatar
ditrina ditrina is offline
Moderator
A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx! A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered.  Tanx!  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Beach Side West Florida
Posts: 12,315
Likes: 26,780
Liked 19,398 Times in 4,088 Posts
Default

Great ending to and old thread.

__________________
SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
Closed Thread

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
I need a couple of Price Check Questions Answered rickytz7111 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 2 01-03-2014 05:15 AM
Quick 15-22 Questions/Rifle Questions zachnelson Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 17 01-10-2013 04:02 PM
28-2 Back from S&W today! Questions Answered Post #24 dlbx2 S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 23 01-21-2012 08:10 PM
Model 13-3 for $164. 4" to 3" and round butted. Questions answered. Allen-frame S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 24 12-28-2009 05:51 PM
Two questions I need answered PLEASE bobbyz S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 8 11-28-2009 11:01 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:21 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)