I was in the Marine Corps from 1958-1962 and was happy to say no military campaigns to my credit. I heard many stories about “Chesty Puller” but the one that always stuck in my mind was Chesty saying he would gladly pay the price of a load of dead Marine’s dog tags just to win the Medal of Honor. I have no proof this is true but heard it from many sources, and if true that’s probably why he never awarded the Medal.
Who knows what he said. But from his actions it doesn’t seem that he really felt that way. There have been plenty of officers that gladly risked their mens’ lives for personal gain, but I don’t think the Marines he supposedly was willing to sacrifice for a medal would have made Chesty the legend he became if that was the case.
Thank you for your service sir.