Running Head: CHESTY PULLER 1

CHESTY PULLER

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Chesty Puller was raised in the Western region of Virginia. He was the son of Matthew

and Martha Puller. His father died when he was in his teenage age years, he gained more

knowledge on the American Civil War from aged veterans. Puller had a great desire of enlisting

the USA Army to fight the Border War with the Mexican government in 1916 (Chesty, 2002).

As a result of his fathers death, he lacked parental accord from his mother. In 1917, he joined

the Virginia Military Institute (Chesty, 2002). Nevertheless, in 1918 left the institution as a result

of World War I (Puller, 1991). The departure did not overturn his inspiration of joining the US

Army Forces. He still insisted on holding the guns and participating in the war since it was his

desire since childhood.

Pullers desire and inspiration was portrayed in the 5th Marines at Belleau Wood

motivated him when he privately attended at boot camp where the Marine Corps was training in

1917 (Puller, 1991). In 1918, he joined the Officer Candidates School (OCS) in Virginia

(Scherrer, 2014). In 1919, he graduated from OCS (Puller, 1991). In 1924, he was selected as the

second lieutenant in the reserves (Puller, 1991).

Puller was appointed to serve the US Army in Haiti as a lieutenant (Chesty, 2002). The

USA Marine Army was serving a part of the treaty in Haiti (Fredriksen, 1999). For five years,

Puller encountered approximately forty engagements against the Caco rebels in Haiti. In 1922,

he worked as a secretary to Alexander Vandegrift, was a commander of the Marine Corps in the

United States of America (Laver, Matthews & Boutelle, 2008). After carrying out the great in

Haiti as a lieutenant in Haiti, in 1924 he returned to the USA. He retained his position as the

second lieutenant after the war in Haiti. He completed many tests in the Marine Barracks which

enabled him to attain a position in the Marine Barracks at Pearl Harbor in Japan. Besides, in

1928 he was assigned Marine Barracks at San Diego in California (Laver et al., 2008).
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Pullers Military Knowledge

Puller gained vast experience in his assignments as the lieutenant of the US Marine

Forces. After completion of Haitis task in 1924 Puller acquired more knowledge on how to

organize the army when attacking the rebels (Scherrer, 2014). In five years, he conducted forty

engagements which were successful. Additionally, in 1928 Puller was assigned a task to

collaborate with the Nicaraguan National Guard (Fredriksen, 1999).The USA government had

signed a treaty or contract of fighting against bandits and rebels in Nicaragua. He had worked

efficiently with the Nicaraguan army and USA forces to dispose of the gangsters and the rebels.

In 1930, Puller carried out "five successive engagements against superior numbers of armed

bandit forces" (Fredriksen, 1999, pg. 76). In Nicaragua, he has bestowed the Navy Cross twice.

The initial award came in 1930; he conducted five successful fights against the bandits and

rebels. These groups had disoriented the Nicaraguan army due to many criminal activities

experienced all over the country. The second award was in 1932 for steering successful patrols

and ambushes (Fredriksen, 1999).

Additionally, Puller led the China and Pacific attacks. He was posted with Marines in

China. Puller served as board of the vessels centered in the Pacific. Afterwards, he was assigned

position as a tutor at the Basic School in Philadelphia. In 1941, he was posted as a Major of the

US Marine Army (Laver et al., 2008). He was the commander of the Marine battalion in North

Carolina. He led the USA Marine army that laid into the Pearl Harbor. The USA Marine battalion

attacked Japan forces causing a great massacre. Also, Puller was assigned to combat the Pacific

Campaign against the Japanese force. The attack became one of the most successful battles in the

Marine Corps history. This attack is commonly known as the Guadalcanal. The USA Army

fought the Japanese under severe conditions of the seaborne invasion. The USA Marine battalion
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faced opponents that were well armed and prepared for an attack. In the war, Puller protected

three of colleagues from inhaling of the harmful gas at River Matikanau (Laver et al., 2008).

Moreover, Puller led in the attack on Henderson Field in 1942 (Scherrer, 2014). It was

an airbase in which the American Cactus Air Force offered air cover to the Marine Forces

(Chesty, 2002). The USA troops targeted at conducting endless attacks from the land, air, and

sea. In 24th of October 1942, there was a firefight break out between the Japanese and American

troops. The fight lasted for three consecutive hours (Chesty, 2002). During the war, Puller

ordered one of the USA units which held the airfield attack which was successful to silence the

Japanese troops. According to John E. Stannard, one of the USA army who participated in the

scene reported that about 1,500 men who belonged to Maruyama, a Japanese lieutenant were

discovered dead (Ryan & Schlup, 2006). The corpses were left laid in front of Pullers lines. The

Japanese troops were ordered to surrender and retreat to River Matanikau (Scherrer, 2014). The

success of this war led earned Puller the third Navy Cross.

Puller was assigned as the executive officer in the USA Forces (Ryan & Schlup, 2006).

The incident occurred at the Henderson Field which he carried out successfully. His role as the

administrative captain of the 7th Marine Battalion led to the participation of Cape Gloucester in

New Britain battle. In 1943- 1944, she participated in a cruel war (Scherrer, 2014). The Japanese

troops were well organized with fire arms to attack US Marine Forces. Pullers experience

enabled him to arrange a battalion to launch an effective attack against the Japanese position

which was well placed. He organized a troop that attacked the Japanese Marine Forces

successfully. He was bestowed or conferred the forth Navy Cross for the overall performance at

Cape Gloucester. In 1944, the USA government posted him as the colonel. Besides, he was given

the mandate to command the 1st Marine battalion (Scherrer, 2014).

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Chestys leadership qualifications

Chesty comprehended the commanders intent. A successful leader is always aware that

missions are not simple tasks to be assumed. The duties assigned to the commander act as a

reflection of ones intent and gain from the subordinate involvement. According to Murphys, the

Marine Corps is supposed to take the same conjecture; no plan ever survives the first contact

(Kirkpatrick, 2006, pp. 123). The commander gives orders that are often accurate. Thus, the

Marine Corps is supposed to follow the rules and policies laid down by the captain. The

comprehension of the commanders intent enables leaders to confirm modifications or

amendments of these strategies are connected to the general desired purpose of their

undertakings and operations. The success of Pullers missions in leadership occurred due to the

intent understanding of his role as a commander. For instance, he was awarded four different

Navy Crosses as a result of his success in various military attacks.

Puller was determined in accomplishing an assigned mission. For a leader to be termed as

successful, he or she is expected to get a job done. In the US Army Forces, leaders are supposed

to accomplish any mission they are assigned regardless of the challenges to be encountered on

the way. For instance, Chesty Puller was assigned to perform many tasks in USA history. He was

sent to fight against the Japanese troop in the Pacific Campaign. Despite the challenges they

encountered in the war such aseaborne invasion and insufficient Marines, Puller organized his

troop well to carry out the task. In the war, Puller protected three colleagues from inhaling the

harmful gas at River Matikanau (Ryan & Schlup, 2006).

Chesty Puller is a rapid decision maker. It is the duty of a Marine Corp to make timely

decisions in the war to act immediately. The commander is expected to make informed choices

and perform aggressively with incomplete information rather than wait for a perfect decision
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when it is too late. The concept allows the Marine Corps to attack its enemies on time. Puller

exemplified this quality in the Henderson Field attack in 1942. During the war, Puller ordered

one of the USA units which held the airfield attack that was successful to silence the Japanese

troops. The attack was successful because it led to the great massacre of about 1,500 Japanese

soldiers (Ryan & Schlup, 2006).This means that Puller gave out an order for the American Air

Force to attack promptly.

Lessons learned from Pullers qualification

Leaders should cultivate courage in their tasks. Courage can be expressed as a

psychological or intellectual quality that enables an individual to identify fear of an emergency

or criticism. The aspect allows a Marine Corps to go on with the task even in the face of risks

with calmness and steadfastness. The act of courage is significant, as enables an individual to

know and stand with the right decision even in the experience of disfavor. Courage is a

requirement of the Marine Forces who are determined to conquer an enemy. Pullers courageous

nature enabled him to conduct many attacks, including the Korean War in 1950 and the

Guadalcanal war, among others (Chesty, 2002).

Puller had vast knowledge as a Marine Corp. The term knowledge refers to the

comprehension of art or science. The Marine Corps is expected to acquire professional skills and

understanding about marine activities. Sufficient knowledge is significant, as it enables them to

gain and retain the current expansion in the military as well as marine science the world

undertakings and concerns are essential for ones growth and development. A knowledgeable

Marine Corp should know how to operate the assigned weapon and other equipment in the unit.

For instance, Puller exemplified immense knowledge in his tasks, such as the proper organization

of the army lead to his success (Fredriksen, 1999).

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Leaders should uphold the aspect of endurance. This refers to psychological and physical

strengths weighed by the ability to withstand hardships, stress, as well as fatigue. The capacity to

withstand endurance during the times of calamity is an essential aspect in the development of

leadership. The leaders are expected to lead their units in the physical undertakings through

motivation. In Pullers case, he led his Marine unit of Guadalcanal war which had severe

conditions due to the seaborne invasion by the Japanese Marine Corps. Moreover, they

experienced hostile conditions like starvation since the war lasted for three days, tropical

diseases, stress, and fatigue. However, their endurance led to the defeat of their enemies.

Pullers accomplishments

Puller received his first Navy Cross after commanding the Nicaraguan National Guard

patrol. He led the United States Marine Corps into five successful engagements against the

bandits called Lavirgen in 1930 (Hoffman, 2007). The bandits were well armed and prepared to

carry out the attack. Lieutenant Pullers army gunned down nine villains and many lost their

lives. Pullers courageous nature in his leadership signified his selflessness by great physical

exertion and severe hardships. Lieutenant Puller conquered all the obstacles and carried out five

successive attacks against the Bandits of Nicaraguan Republic (Hoffman, 2007).

The Pullers second Navy Cross occurred in the Guardia war. He was to fight the Pacific

Campaign against the Japanese patrol of the USA Marine forces mainly centered in the

northeastern part near Mount Kilambe. The battalion consisted of about one hundred and fifty

corps. Gunnery Sergeant Lee, who was second in command, was killed in the attack. However,

Chester Pullers courageous nature in the military verdict by directing his army into the assault.

The attack carried out was successful since it led to the death of ten and many injuries in the

scenario. Later, he enemies dispersed with severe injuries (Puller, 1991).

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The third Navy Cross was against enemy Japanese marines on Guadalcanal. In this

incidence, he carried out one of the most legendary battles in the Marine Corps account. In 1942,

the USA Marine Corps attacked the Japanese forces (Hoffman, 2007). Pullers battalion

experienced extreme weather conditions such as the presence of torrential rains. Moreover, the

Japanese troops were well organized with an arsenal of arms. Lieutenant Colonel Puller

courageously withstood the enemys frantic and desperate attacks. His tireless dedication to duty

and calm decisions under fire prevented the hostile troops from penetrating into their lines

(Puller, 1991).

The forth Navy Cross occurred in Cape Gloucester in New Britain. The incidence

happened between 26th of December 1943 to 19th of January 1944 (Hoffman, 2007). The USA

Marine Forces were fighting against Japanese Forces at the Cape of Gloucester. Puller was

appointed to command the USA battalion. He organized his team to carry out the task. He

retained his position of the using-sweep ridge, which led to the defeat of the enemy.

The fifth Navy Cross occurred in the Korean War. The Chosin Reservoir emerges as one

of the toughest fights that Marine battalion faced. In 1950, the USA battalion was surrounded by

enemies, and as a result, they were under great struggle in the supply of weapons. However, this

did not chatter his expectations and determination despite such desperate moment. He stated,

``Weve been looking for the enemy for some time now. Weve finally found him. Were

surrounded. That simplifies things (Ragland & Rouse2009, pp. 114). In 1951, Puller returned to

the USA, and was ranked as a general brigadier (Laver et al., 2008).

Comparison between Pullers character traits and current leaders

Chesty Puller was a wise leader. He had the ability to deal with other Marine Corps to

maintain good relations by avoiding mistakes. As a leader, Puller did and said the perfect thing at
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the right time. The aspect is significant as it allows commands and views to be articulated

positively and beneficially. In the war, Lieutenant Colonel Puller related well with his subjects

when caring out a task (Scherrer, 2014). Conversely, the current leaders are brutal to their

subjects. The concept reduces the interpersonal relationship between the leaders and the issues.

Hence, their missions are mainly unsuccessful.

Chesty was a selfless leader. He did not offer his well-being and personal development at

the expense of other soldiers. The essence of leadership is to look for the needs of subordinates

than individual needs. For instance, during the China and the Pacific attack, USA Marine

battalion faced opponents that were well armed and prepared for an assault. In the war, Puller

protected three of colleagues from inhaling the harmful gas at River Matikanau (Chesty, 2002).

However, the current leaders are selfish. Most of the modern leaders look for their junior needs

for their personal needs.

References:

Chesty: the story of Lieutenant General Lewis B. Puller, USMC. (2002). Choice Reviews

Online, 39(07), 39-4177-39-4177. <http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/choice.39-4177>

CHESTY PULLER 10

Fredriksen, J. C. (1999). American military leaders: From colonial times to the present. Santa

Barbara, Calif. [u.a.: ABC-CLIO.

Hoffman, J. T. (2007). Chesty: The Story of Lieutenant General Lewis B. Puller, USMC.

Random House.

In Laver, H. S., In Matthews, J. J., & Boutelle, S. W. (2008). The art of command: Military

leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell.

Kirkpatrick, D. L. (2006). How to conduct productive business meetings: Strategies, tips, and

tools to ensure your next meeting is well planned and effective. Alexandria, Va: ASTD

Press.

Puller, L. B. (1991). Fortunate son: The autobiography of Lewis B. Puller, Jr. New York: Grove

Weidenfeld.

Ragland, N., & Rouse, J. (2009). Puller's runner: A work of historical fiction about Lieutenant

General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller. Lanham, Maryland: Hamilton Books.

Ryan, J. G., & Schlup, L. (2006). Historical Dictionary of the 1940s. Armonk: M.E. Sharpe, Inc.

Scherrer, J. (2014). The Leadership Forge: 50 Fire-Tested Insights to Solve Your Toughest

Problems & Get Great Results. Cork: BookBaby.