A Few Questions for Marines - Questions answered. Tanx!

[bmhiii]

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

 

[Muley Gil]

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.

 

[sar4937]

Lt. Gen. "Chesty" Puller

 

[Ron H.]

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.

 

[Larrymcc1]

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.

 

[nostraDONus]

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.

 

[bmhiii]

.....

Buy both books. ...

I will get both, tanx Muley.

...

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".

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

 

[Muley Gil]

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

Good old Virginia stock.

 

[SPC]

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.

 

[LTC]

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

 

[Muley Gil]

"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.

 

[GyMac]

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

 

[Rangerpat]

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.

 

[Noah Zark]

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

 

[bulldog01]

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!

 

[ditrina]

Great ending to and old thread.