FORT LEE, Va. - When Marines hear the quote -- "We've been looking for the enemy for some time now. We've finally found him. We're surrounded. That simplifies things." -- they will tell you that Marine Corps legend Lt. Gen. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller cited that remark during the fight at Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War.
Who is this Chesty Puller? Only the most decorated Marine in the Corp's 239-year history.
As a tribute to the many accomplishments Puller made to the Corps and his country, the U.S. Marine Corps Detachment Fort Lee embarked on its 21st annual Chesty Puller run Friday. The detachment completed the 66-mile journey by relay and in a formation run -- with more than 300 Marines -- for the last four miles through the town of Saluda to his grave site at Christ Church.
"We are here today to pay tribute to Lt. Gen. Lewis B. 'Chesty' Puller and his leadership, tenacity and unbending commitment to Marines," Lt. Col. Thomas H. Gilley IV, detachment commanding officer, said to the gathered Marines. "As a band of brothers, we will reflect on the legacy of Chesty Puller and pay proper tribute to him."
Puller was born in West Point on June 26, 1898, and joined the Marine Corps in 1918. He served in World War I, the Banana Wars, World War II and the Korean Conflict until 1955 when he retired at the rank of lieutenant general.
While at the cemetery, Marines took turns reading excerpts from his biography, highlighting his many accomplishments. Puller earned five Navy Cross medals during his career and the citations were discussed to emphasize his leadership abilities.
Marines who participated in the run said the event is something special that not every Marine gets to experience.
"It is a true honor to be at the gravesite of Lt. Gen. Puller, one of the greatest generals in the Marine Corps, one of the greatest generals in the world," said Pvt. Antwan Powell, Alpha Company student. "It is an extremely great feeling to be part of this run today and be one of the few who have participated in this event over the years."
At the end of the readings, Gilley and Master Gunnery Sgt. Tony C. Smith, Marine Corps Food Service School staff noncommissioned officer in charge, placed wreaths at Puller and his wife Virginia's grave markers as a salute to their service. They also offered up a toast in his honor. Puller died Oct. 11, 1971, at the age of 73 after a long illness.
Puller remains a well-known figure in Marine Corps history with both true and embellished tales of his experiences being constantly handed down by Marines. They are told of his legendary feats starting the first days of boot camp. Many cadences are dedicated to Puller.
Along with earning five Navy Crosses, some of his other awards and decorations include; Army Distinguished Service Cross (equivalent to the Navy Cross); Silver Star Medal; Legion of Merit with combat "V" (2nd award); Bronze Star with combat "V"; Purple Heart; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (2nd award); World War I Victory Medal; Haitian Campaign Medal; Nicaraguan Campaign Medal; China Service Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal and Korean Service Medal.
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