Marine! The Life of Chesty Puller (book)

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.

I considered this book to be a fine introductory material on this famous fighting Marine who served our nation so well. However, due to the rather biased approach, it may not have been as complete of a biography as it could have been. Burke Davis seem very much enamored with Chesty Puller, so much that the readers have to beware not to fall into a classical trap of a "perfect man" biography.

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It was interesting to note that the book does not give any reflection of how Chesty Puller felt about the intregation of the US Marine Corps, one of the tramatic events of the Marine Corps history during Puller's long career.

But the book overall, provides a lot of information on the career of Chesty Puller and the readers will have a clear understanding why he was considered to be such a legend in the Marine Corps. As long as the readers can overlooked the racial slurs that most professional historians won't write in their narratives, the book serves an useful if not a limited purpose. I would like to look forward to reading a more balance account of Puller's life, a book that allows me to understand the man, his strengths and his weaknesses, which like all human beings on this planet, he was blessed with. The book only reflects on his greatness and that make him only a half a man that he truly was.

read this book while serving in the USMC out on manuevers at 29 Palms, CA. It was awesome. Guy

I expected to learn of all of the fabled stories of the greatest fighting Marine ever. I did and more. The author interjects with letters to his home and children which showed what a truly decent and true person that Chesty really was. I will always remember the scene where he has just survived and won some of the touighest battles in history and then scrolling a note of concern for his child's health. He was tough as nails, yet his men saw his caring side. He did not need a strategic planning session, mission statement or staff retreat. He just went for the attack and got the job done. I was truly inspired and remain so. Good night Chesty...Wherever you are!

I heartily recommend this book as required reading for anyone who has leadership ambitions. Chesty was revered and admired by those who served under him. He was not always in favor with those whom he served under, due to the fact that he sometimes upstaged them with his service and performance. Not being politically correct cost him personally, but as was pointed out clearly in the book, he cared more for his men.

Although this book is somewhat dated, the author appears to have gotten many details from those who served with, and knew Chesty Puller.