Lt. Gen. 'Chesty' Puller - Triangle VA
N 38° 32.638 W 077° 20.466
18S E 295972 N 4268770
A statue of Gen. Chesty Puller stands at the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park in Triangle, VA overlooking the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
Waymark Code: WMGMBB
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 03/19/2013
Views: 5
Chesty Puller is a Marine Corps icon. Lt. General Lewis B. Puller is one of the most decorated Marines in the Corps history and the only one to receive the Navy Cross 5 times.
Gen. Puller served for 36 years from 1919 to 1955 and was a veteran of the Korean War, 4 WW II campaigns and service in China, Nicaragua and Haiti. Chesty, who got his nickname from his big bull chest and ramrod posture, was born in !898 in West Point, Virginia and attended VMI before enlisting in the Marine Corps. Gen. Puller died in 1971 from failing health and is buried in a family cemetery in Middlesex County, VA.
In 2012, an 8' statue of Chesty Puller was installed at the Chesty Puller Overlook
in the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park in Triangle, VA. A dedication ceremony
was held on Veterans Day.
The Marine Corps League donated the bronze statue which was sculpted by Terry Jones, who is also a Marine. Chesty stands in combat fatigues on a hilltop and points forward as if leading his troops into battle. He carries a pipe in his left hand, wears a sidearm, ammo, and canteen at his waist and binoculars around his neck. The Marine Corps emblem with the letters USMC are emblazoned on his chest pocket. The statue stands on a granite base engraved with:
LIEUTENANT GENERAL
LEWIS B. "CHESTY" PULLER
Three plaques are mounted on the other sides of the base.
(Click on thumbnail for larger picture.) | Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller
Born West Point, Virginia - 26 June 1898
Enlisted in the Marine Corps - 1 August 1918
Gendarmerie d'Haiti Service - 1918 to 1923
Commissioned a Second Lieutenant - 5 March 1924
Nicaragua Service - 1928 to 1932
- Malacate (1930)
- Aqua Carta (1932)
- San Antonio and Paso Real (1932)
World War II Service - 1942 to 1944
Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines at Guadalcanal (1842)
Executive Officer, 7th Marines at Cape Gloucester (1944)
- Commanding Officer, 1st Marines at Pelelin (1944)
Korean War Service - 1950 to 1951
Commanding Officer, 1st Marines at Inchon and Chosin Reservoir (1950)
- Assistant Division Commander, 1st Marine Division
Promoted to Lieutenant General and Retired - 1 November 1955
Died Hampton, Virginia - 11 October 1971 |
 | Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller
Personal Decorations
Navy Cross (5)
Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star
Legion of Merit with "V" (2)
Bronze Star with "V"
Air Medal (3)
Purple Heart |
 | The Puller Monument
Donated By
The Marine Corps League
Preserving the tradtions and promoting the
interests of the United States Marine Corps
while holding sacred the history and memory
of the men and women who have given
their lives in service to their nation. |
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