Quote:
Originally Posted by GH85Carrera
Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller
He was a colorful veteran of the Korean War, four World War II campaigns and expeditionary service in China, Nicaragua and Haiti. He was one of the most decorated Marines in the Corps and the only Leatherneck ever to be awarded the Navy Cross 5 times for heroism and gallantry in action. |
Unfortunately, his son didn't fare so well. His book,
Fortunate Son, is a very compelling read.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Burwell_Puller_Jr.
After his graduation from Officer Candidate School, he received orders to South Vietnam in July 1968, where he served as an Infantry Platoon Leader for three months. On October 11, 1968, his rifle jammed during an engagement with North Vietnamese troops; Puller was wounded when he tripped a booby-trapped howitzer round, losing his right leg at the hip, his left leg above the knee, his left hand and most of his fingers on his right hand in the explosion.
Puller died from a self-inflicted gunshot on May 11, 1994.
