Marine!: The Life of Chesty Puller

In 1962 while stationed at Camp Lejeune retired general Cherts Puller was at the base post exchange signing a book called "Marine" . I knew he was a legend in the USMC but I never thought he would be so reveered. I should of bought as many signed books I could afford as over the years I could of made some money as his fame and legend grew, but I was not so wise in my youth. We could use generals like him today in all olur branches of the miliktary.Semper Fi Chesty.

On a par with Stephen Ambrose, Burke Davis has written a most interesting account of Chesty Puller: A commander whose unit (1st Marines 3rd Batallion) I served with after the 1st Division returned from Korea. I'm sad to say I never met Chesty but served with many who did - he was a legend in his own time, that's for sure. I cannot attest to the authenticity of this story nor it's bias (as some have suggested). But that asside, having earned all the medals he earned and to have reached LT. Gen. while beginning as an enlisted man Chesty, in my book, was definitely a Marine's Marine - and one of my heros. And, it seems as though he accomplished all this in spite of politics. Mr. Davis' book is very easy to read - almost like a novel. At times this story is so intense that it leaves you not wanting to put the book down. Perhaps Davis and Spielberg can get together and make a film - i.e. "Band of Brothers". If you are a Marine, former Marine, or an American patriot, you will enjoy this account of one of the few real American heros.

Marine! is a book for anyone who enjoys hearing about military. It gives an in depth look into the life of this great Marine gerneral. Is fighting through nigaragua and hati. His service at the battle of Guadacanal, and the Korean War. This book expressed Puller's incredible leadership, and moral raising presence. It even goes into his battle with the government and military hierarcy. If you like military, you'll really enjoy Chesty Puller's "give 'em hell attitude" and determination. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action and military books.

Burke Davis wrote a definitive account of the legendary 'Chesty' Puller. It's as much a biography of Puller as it is a history of the Corps, for the two were intertwined for the better part of forty years. Very easy read, always entertaining, never a dull page. Should be required reading for all military professionals, especially Marines. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I am a Vietnam Vet and was in the same Province as Chesty's son Lewis Puller Jr. (Quang Nam Province, 1970) One of the reasons I read the bio about his father as well as the son's own auto-bio. War is no joking matter and no game as Lewis Jr. found out. You also can't fight a war all by yourself which is sometimes the impression gained from Burke's book. The striking point to me about Chesty Puller however, more than his heroism under heavy enemy fire, is that Chesty, advancing from Private to Lieutenant General, throughout his long career never forgot where he came from. Time after time in incidents vividly described in Burke's book, Burke clearly shows that Chesty never got carried away with his own legend and always maintained a genuine and real concern for the enlisted men who did the fighting and the dying. And who, when he saw Officer abuse of enlisted men, as opposed to ordinary disipline nipped it in the bud. This book clearly shows that the enlisted men were very close to Chesty's heart and that Chesty never asked anyone, enlisted or NCO or Officer to do anything that he had not or would not do himself. Very excellent book. Was not able to stop reading once I began it.

Burke Davis paints a graphic picture of valor under fire and deeds of a man who was truly a Marine. From the green hills of Nicaragua to the fire swept beaches of the pacific to the frozen wasteland of the Chosin Resevoir, Davis tells the story of Chesty Puller, the only Marine to ever win the Navy Cross 5 times. A must-read for all Marines, servicemen, leaders, or anyone interested in the United States Marine Corps' greatest hero.