FReeper Canteen ~ Happy Birthday, CHESTY PULLER!

The Heart And Soul of the Corps | 26 JUN 08 | Old Sarge

[Old Sarge]

Welcome to the 26 JUN 08 edition of
The FReeper Canteen!

Happy Birthday to

CHESTY PULLER!

Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller (26 JUN 1898 - 11 OCT 1971) was the most decorated Marine in American history. Puller is the only United States Marine to receive five Navy Crosses, the United States Navy's second highest decoration after Congressional Medal of Honor. During his career, he fought in World War 2 and the Korean War, and participated in some of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.

Puller, whose nickname was inspired by his barrel chest, was born in West Point, Virginia. He was a second cousin of General George S. Patton. He grew up regularly hunting, fishing and horseback riding and would later remark that, "Those days in the woods saved my life many a time in combat.

As an enlisted man, he saw action in Haiti with the Gendarmerie d'Haiti, which was working under a treaty with the United States, and participated in over forty engagements during the ensuing five years against the Caco rebels.  In December 1928, Puller was assigned to the Nicaraguan National Guard detachment, where he earned his first Navy Cross. He returned stateside in July 1931 for training at Fort Benning, GA, and returned to Nicaragua to earn a second Navy Cross for leading "five successive engagements against superior numbers of armed bandit forces"

After his service in Nicaragua, Puller was assigned to the Marine detachment at the American Legation in Beijing, China commanding a unit of China Marines. He then went on to serve aboard USS Augusta, which was commanded by then-Captain Chester W. Nimitz.  In May 1939, he returned to the Augusta as commander of the onboard Marine detachment, and thence back to China, disembarking in Shanghai in May 1940 to serve as the executive officer of 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. He later served as its commanding officer.

 

Major Puller returned to the U.S. on August 28, 1941. After a short leave, he was given command of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (known as 1/7) of the 1st Marine Division, stationed at New River, which would soon be renamed MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Early in the war, the 7th Marines formed the nucleus of the newly created 3rd Marine Brigade and arrived to defend Samoa on 08 MAY 42. Later they were redeployed from the Brigade and left Samoa to rejoin the 1st Division at Guadalcanal on 18 SEP 42.

Soon after arriving on Guadalcanal, Puller's quick thinking saved his Marines from annihilation in a fierce fight at Matanikau. In the action, three of Puller's companies were surrounded and cut-off by a larger Japanese force. Puller ran to the shore, signaled a United States Navy destroyer, and then directed the destroyer to provide gunfire support while landing craft rescued his Marines from their precarious position. Later on Guadalcanal, Puller earned his third Navy Cross for action that was later known as the Battle Of Henderson Field, in which the 1/7 battalion was the only American unit defending the airstrip against a regiment of Japanese troops. In a firefight on the night of 24-25 OCT 42 lasting about three hours, 1/7 sustained 70 casualties; the Japanese force suffered over 1,400 killed in action, and the battalion held the airfield.  Puller was shot by a sniper twice and wounded by shrapnel in three different places; he was awarded the Purple Heart.

While serving as Executive Officer of the 7th, Puller earned his fourth Navy Cross for overall performance of duty between 26 DEC 43 and 19 JAN 44. During this time, when the battalion commanders of 3/7 MAR and later, 3/5 MAR were taken out of the fight, he assumed temporary command of both units. In each instance, while under heavy machine gun and mortar fire, he expertly reorganized the battalion and led the successful attack against heavily fortified Japanese defensive positions. He was promoted to Colonel effective 01 FEB 44 and by the end of the month, had been named Commander of the 1st Marine Regiment. Colonel Puller would lead the 1st Marines into the protracted battle on Peleliu, one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history during September and October 1944.

Puller returned to the United States in November 1944, to become Commanding Officer of the Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Lejeune. After the war, he commanded the Marine Barracks at Pearl Harbor.  At the outbreak of the Korean War, Puller was once again assigned as commander of the 1st Marine Regiment, with which he made a landing at Inchon on 15 SEP 50. In November of that year, Puller earned his fifth Navy Cross for action during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. It was during that battle when he made the famous quote, "We've been looking for the enemy for some time now. We've finally found him. We're surrounded. That simplifies things."

In January, 1951, Puller was promoted to Brigadier General and was assigned duty as assistant division commander (ADC) of the 1st Marine Division. On 24 FEB 51 however, his immediate superior, Major General O. P. Smith, was hastily transferred to command IX Corps when its army commander, Major General Moore, was killed. Smith’s temporary transfer left Puller in command of his beloved 1st Marine Division. When ordered to begin the last phase of Operation Killer, Puller made the best of the opportunity by skillfully leading the 1st Marine Division and achieving its objectives. General Smith returned from IX Corps on 05 MAR 51 Puller would serve as ADC until he completed his tour of duty and returned to the United States on 20 MAY 51.

General Puller subsequently received promotions to Major General and Lieutenant General, and served in various command capacities until his retirement due to health reasons on 01 NOV 55. Chesty Puller died on 11 OCT 71 in Saluda, Virginia; he was 73. He is buried in Christchurch Parish Cemetery on the southeast side of Christchurch School off Highway 33 (also called "General Puller Highway") in Christchurch, Virginia. General Puller's widow, Virginia, died in 2006 at the age of 97 and was buried next to him.

LTG Puller's awards include the Navy Cross with four gold stars;  the Distinguished Service Cross; the Silver Star; the Legion of Merit with gold star and "V" device; the Bronze Star with "V" device; the Air Medal with two gold stars; and the Purple Heart.

 

 

QUOTES FROM CHESTY!!!

• "All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time!"

• "Great. Now we can shoot at those bastards from every direction."

• "We’re surrounded. That simplifies our problem of getting to these people and killing them"

• "Remember, you're the 1st Marines! Not all the Communists in Hell can overrun you!"

• "Take me to the Brig. I want to see the real Marines."

• "Alright you bastards, try and shoot me!" (to Korean forces)

• "Where do you put the bayonet?" (upon seeing a flamethrower for the first time)

• "You don't hurt 'em if you don't hit 'em."

• "Hit hard, hit fast, hit often."

• "Retreat! Hell, we're just advancing in a different direction." (Also attributed to Major General O. P. Smith)

 

 

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT ~ Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allies military and the family members thereof. Honoring those who have served before.

Please remember: The Canteen is a place to honor and entertain our troops. The Canteen is family friendly, and please leave politics at the door.

Let's have fun!

 

 

[Old Sarge]

To all my former comrades of Radio Bn, 2nd MARDIV, Semper Fi, and Carry On!

[HopeandGlory]

Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Lord, Please Bless Our Troops, They're fighting for our Freedom.

Prayers going up.

[Old Sarge]

OKAY, YOU MAGGOTS, FALL IN!

[mylife]

in!

[The Mayor]

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list

June 26, 2008

One Exception

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: Isaiah 53:4-12

Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words. —John 8:46-47

Are there any perfect people alive today? Not in the opinion of Harvard University psychiatrist Jerome Groopman. In his engrossing book How Doctors Think, he expresses agreement with the profound insights found in the Bible. He writes, “Everyone is flawed at some time, in thought or in deed, from Abraham to Moses to the Apostles.”

But what about Jesus Christ? He challenged His listeners regarding Himself: “Which of you convicts Me of sin?” (John 8:46). The disciples’ verdict after they had opportunity to scrutinize His life for at least 3 years was that He was without sin (1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5).

Was Jesus a moral miracle, the one sinless Person in the whole procession of sinful humans? Yes, He was the one spotless exception to this observation of the apostle Paul: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). And that word all includes both you and me!

Because all humanity has sinned, we can rejoice that Jesus was qualified—He and He alone—to be the flawless Sacrifice we need.

We give thanks for Jesus Christ, our sinless sin-bearer—the one exception!

Guilty, vile, and helpless, we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior! —Bliss

Only Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, can declare guilty people perfect.

Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 4–6; Proverbs 30:10-20

[mylife]

Chesty Puller? Didnt that guy put “land”mines in trees? ;)

[Old Sarge]

Hope, sweetie, not only are you first, but you made it in before the ping! Congrats, and welcome aboard!

[Old Sarge]

Missed it by that much, My! You’re Second!

[Old Sarge]

Welcome Aboard, Mister Mayor - you made third tonight! Thank you for the inspirations!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Happy Birthday, CHESTY PULLER!

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.

CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD

CLICK FOR Current local times around the world

CLICK FOR local times in Seoul, Baghdad, Kabul,
New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Anchorage

To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.
To our military readers, we remain steadfast
in keeping the Canteen doors open.

The FR Canteen is Free Republic's longest running daily thread
specifically designed to provide entertainment and moral support for the military.
The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.

We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.

NOTE: CANTEEN MUSIC
Posted daily and on the Music Thread
for the enjoyment of our troops and visitors.

[TASMANIANRED]

Yo Sarge.. I’m here.

Hugs on and off the record.

[Tanniker Smith]

Evening!

[TASMANIANRED]

Evening Hope.

[Old Sarge]

Coming in at Number Four with the PING, Ma! Thanks!

[SevenofNine]

BTW I have another typing test and 10 key for my mode Kathy

I type 88 wpm with 1 mistake

and 13,000 keystrokes I been practicing

So I beat both my goals of this mod

Well report from BBC wire claim perhaps Gaza might be open FOR BUSINESSS on Friday

And TMZ.com reporting that Oprah might be dump Osarma Barek according to tommorow TV report on their TMZ.com tv show

[Old Sarge]

And in at Number Five, it’s Tazz!

Hey there, Lil’ Redhead!

[Old Sarge]

Welcome aboard, Tanniker! Hope you like the thread!

[TASMANIANRED]

Evening my.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Very cool thread. Good job, Sarge!

[TASMANIANRED]

Evening Russ. Thanks for todays inspiration.

[TASMANIANRED]

Evening Kathy, Hugs.

[TheThirdRuffian]

In addition to being a fine Marine, Chesty was a master mason, and is honored by the several lodges where he was a member of the fraternity.

[mylife]

Howdy Tas!

How ya doing?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Honoring Our Heroes

AbnSarge USA
Allegra
3 sons (armymarinemom and amdad)
Brett USN (CindyDawg)
Brother and Son-in-Law (kalee)
Cannoneer No. 4
Capt Jason Clendenin (friend of Frou)
Chris USA (amom)
Clarinet_King USAF (NerdDad/CDBear)
Col Mike (gpapa)
CMS USA
David USAF (LUV W)
Defender2
Deven USA (Shimmer)
Ethan USMC (georgiabelle)
Ev USA (Mozie)
Fred (DocRock)
Future Snake Eater USA (RightOnline)
GulfWar1Vet USA
IS2 Brianne USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
IS2 Heather USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
Jade Falcon USN
JemiansTerror USA (Jemian)
Jet Jaguar USAF
Joel (NEMDF)
Jonathan USMC (AZbushgal)
Josh USN (doug from upland)
Karen USA (fatima's granddaughter)
KB4W USAF (arbee4bush)
Kenneth (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
Kevin USMC (skimask)
Kevin and David USA (vigilante2)
Laurita USA
LCpl Carter USMC
Lindsay (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
Lt David (Coldwater Creek)
M1911A1 USMC (M0sby)
M1Tanker
MEG33's Navy Grandson
Mike1Sg USA (mystery-ak)
Milo828 USA (mystery-ak)
Nate USN (sneakers)
Old Sarge USA
OneLoyalAmerican USCG
PFC Dan USA (son of swmobuffalo)
Robert, Jeremy, Daynnis USA (SoldierDad)
Sat-Com Chris USA (son of KC Burke)
Sgt Dusty USA (MountainDad)
Sgt Sean Reed (preed)
Sgt Spencer USA (grame)
Son USCG (GodBlessUSA)
SPC Mike USA (AbnSarge)
SSGT John Linde USA (JFoxbear)
Terrence USN (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
The Sailor
tongue-tied USN/USA
Tonkin USN/USCG
txradioguy USA
Valerie USAF (Shimmer)
Victor and Tony D USMC (weldgophardline)
William USA (jackv)

 

[B-Cause]

A dead terrorist.
This is a good thing.
Happy Birthday, CHESTY PULLER!

---

Way to go U.S. Military - Job Well Done!

---

Please everybody take just a moment to watch.... "The Gratitude Campaign" video...
and then forward it to your friends!



Click Here

[TASMANIANRED]

Evening QT Pi.

Are any of these report card comments your work.
1. Since my last report, your child has reached rock bottom and has started to dig.
2. I would not allow this student to breed.
3. Your child has delusions of adequacy.
4. Your son is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.
5. Your son sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.
6. The student has a ‘full six-pack’ but lacks the plastic thing to hold it all together.
7. This child has been working with glue too much.
8. When your daughter’s IQ reaches 50, she should sell.
9. The gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn’t coming.
10. If this student were any more stupid, he’d have to be watered twice a week.
11. It’s impossible to believe the sperm that created this child beat out 1,000,000 others.
12. The wheel is turning but the hamster is definitely dead.

[TASMANIANRED]

Evening 7.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hello Veterans, wherever you are!!

[TASMANIANRED]

How’s tricks Sarge..

[TASMANIANRED]

Doing well enough for a day at work.

[SoCalPol]

My dad was in the 1st Marines at the Chosin Reservoir and Inchon Landing, saw Chesty at various times there.

[Kathy in Alaska]

A PRAYER OF PROTECTION

The light of God surround you
The love of God enfold you
The power of God protect you
The presence of God watch over you
Wherever you are, God is,
And all is well.
Amen.

BLESS THIS HOUSE

 Bless this house O Lord we pray; Make it safe by night and day; 
Bless these walls so firm and stout, Keeping want and trouble out:
Bless the roof and chimneys tall, Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove ever open to joy and love.
Bless these windows shining bright, Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there, with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within, keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be Fit O Lord to dwell with thee;
Bless us all that one day we May dwell O Lord with thee. 

(Click on graphics for music)

A PRAYER OF PROTECTION

The light of God surround you
The love of God enfold you
The power of God protect you
The presence of God watch over you
Wherever you are, God is,
And all is well.
Amen.

BLESS THIS HOUSE

 Bless this house O Lord we pray; Make it safe by night and day; 
Bless these walls so firm and stout, Keeping want and trouble out:
Bless the roof and chimneys tall, Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove ever open to joy and love.
Bless these windows shining bright, Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there, with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within, keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be Fit O Lord to dwell with thee;
Bless us all that one day we May dwell O Lord with thee. 

(Click on graphics for music)

[TASMANIANRED]

Very cool.

[Conservative Vermont Vet]

"All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time!"

"Great. Now we can shoot at those bastards from every direction."

From an old Nam Vet Flyboy, you gotta luv this old Marine and his "give em hell" outlook.

While our Marines (as well as USAF, USA, UNS, USCG) have many brave warriors, exceptional leaders and superb men and women serving in harms way, I don't think we will ever see someone like Puller (or a Patton) ever again.

For one thing, the Rules of Engagement our military are burdened with as well as PC would not allow for someone like Chesty to operate with any degree of success (much less longevity and promotion) today.

God Bless Chesty, all our Marines and all God Bless and protect our brave men and women currently serving in harms way.

[mylife]

Sigh... I was late for work.

Didnt get in til 7:30!

[Old Sarge]

I have in my pipe-smoke-stained fingertips an application to join the Ren Faire Company! Minstrel-ling about, flirting with the tavern wenches, all that good stuff!

[Old Sarge]

Was there nothing that man couldn’t do? Incredible...

[mylife]

NATO lead operations preclude such men from getting things done

[Old Sarge]

Welcome Aboard, B! And thanks for the great post!

[Tanniker Smith]

I could’ve used many of those were I independently wealthy.

[TASMANIANRED]

What happened?

[Old Sarge]

Ah, what stories he must still have about that man. I know my pop has got a few good ones!

[HopeandGlory]

;-)

[TASMANIANRED]

Well, sir night isn’t minstreling a step down.

[Old Sarge]

Men like Chesty are out there, somewhere - they may not get the headlines, but the rank and file know where they are...

[mylife]

I just didnt set the alarms again!

[Old Sarge]

Not in the least! Many a good knight can spin a tale in the tavern, especially of his own adventures!

[TASMANIANRED]

LOL....

A little truth well applied would make so many thing better...

[HAL9000]

Thanks for a terrific thread, Sarge - A wonderful tribute to a great U.S. Marine.

[Kathy in Alaska]

United States Marine Corps Band~National Anthem