Chesty

The Story of Lieutenant General Lewis B. Puller, USMC

By: Colonel Jon T. Hoffman USMCR

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Length: 23 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

The Marine Corps is known for its heroes, and Lieutenant General Lewis B. Puller has long been considered the greatest of them all. His assignments and activities covered an extraordinary spectrum of warfare. Puller mastered small unit guerrilla warfare as a lieutenant in Haiti in the 1920s, and at the end of his career commanded a division in Korea. In between, he chased Sandino in Nicaragua and fought at Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu.

With his bulldog face, barrel chest (which earned him the nickname Chesty), gruff voice, and common touch, Puller became - and has remained - the epitome of the marine combat officer. At times Puller's actions have been called into question - at Peleliu, for instance, where, against a heavily fortified position, he lost more than half of his regiment. And then there is the saga of his son, who followed in Chesty's footsteps as a marine officer only to suffer horrible wounds in Vietnam (his book, Fortunate Son, won the Pulitzer Prize).

Jon Hoffman has been given special access to Puller's personal papers as well as his personnel record. The result will unquestionably stand as the last word about Chesty Puller.

©2001 Jon T. Hoffman (P)2018 Tantor

Yay Chesty

Overall this was a very good book; very well written. The author's style very much brings you the essence of the man and his tremendous character, bravery, and love for the Corps. The first few chapters made me wonder when the Corps action was going to get started. However, as I continued to listen I understood that his beginnings as a soldier in the Gulf of Mexico islands solidified his leadership and fighting qualities that would be characteristic of his entire Corps career. I thought he had participated in many more WWI campaign than he did, but in spite of that, he still built a legend through for his concern for his men, courage, and fearless leadership under fire. He always acknowledged his success was through his men. I was moved by excerpts from his letters to his wife that contained many words of how a man can show his devotion to his wife.

The highest praise you can muster.

I listened to this book driving to and from work. Most days, I have great difficulty turning it off, after I park. The narrator,
Mr. Sean Runnette, speaks clearly and in a measured voice. He is not boring, nor slow. Measured. His name will not escape my notice, in the future.

I fear my very positive review of the tome would exceed even the hours and pages, so generously provided by the author publisher and narrator.

First, I understand Lt. Gen Puller's difficulty with formal education. Early on, he was imbued with the importance of an education. No doubt he would learn much, but, an education would be the path, to a life of meaning and consequence. However, sitting in a classroom, listening to topics of no interest and reading books that would put the most energetic body to sleep, was not for him. No doubt he looked out of the windows and imagined a more active learning environment. The Infantry School at Ft. Benning was the only formal military school he finished.(As of Chapter 19) He did much better as an instructor at The Basic School.

His interaction with Civil War veterans made an indelible mark on Lt. Gen. Pullers view of war. Young Puller approached the US Marine Corp the same way he approached every challenge in life. But, it wouldn't be an eight second ride at the rodeo. Puller was going to be a commissioned officer in the Marines, no matter how long it took the Marines to understand that. Haiti and Nicaragua were Chesty's laboratories. America and the US Marine Corp owe much thanks to the Sandino's and Cacao's. Lt. Gen. Puller learned tactics, leadership and planning in Haiti and Nicaragua and it served him well in his pre-war China billets.

Guadalcanal, New Britain and Pelelieu are non stop action. Be advised, you will want to have historical maps or Google Earth at a minimum, to follow the story. Wikipedia provides some ancillary details and pictures of Puller's subordinates, contemporaries and senior officers. As I listen to this book, Puller was as tough on his enlisted men as he had to be. His experience made that clear. As he advanced in seniority, he let his Junior Officers(JOs) know, their loyalty was to their men and tough training would be the key to organizational success. No matter who Chesty outranked, his persona rarely changed towards his superiors. Especially, if they had something he needed to complete his mission. If assistance was not forthcoming, he would lead from the front and guide his battalion or regiment to the goal. There were two choices in Lt. Gen. Puller's world. His side or the other side.

A word on vocabulary. "Outfit". I served 20 years in the Navy. My grandfather, also a Navy man, would use that word a lot, especially if he referenced his WWII experience, with his buddies. I can't recall the term "outfit" during my service. It was always "unit".

A word on training sub-ordinates. Chesty took more than a passing interest in training the members of his outfit. Today, all personal training is done by NCOs.

I must stop here. I'm just now getting to the Inchon landing.

Leadership

Very interesting view of a man that fought through so many wars. lead from the front!

sleep well Chesty

this should be required reading. what a man/Hero.
clearly he had same concerns with the quality of Americans. he was able to see an issue and address it

Inspirational

For any soldier or any citizen alike, Lt. General LB Puller represents the complexity of all great leaders. Not perfect but more than human in reaching the top of their chosen profession.
Flawed and often misunderstood, he never lost touch with his greatest assets, Loyalty.
Loyalty to the Corp, his Nation, his family, and most of all, to the men in his command.
I find Chesty a good and decent man. An inspiration for anyone whom chooses to lead others.
Good night, and God Bless you Chesty.

Great Audiobook

He’s a great definition of a great hero. One tough Marine for sure!!! God bless him for his service.

Amazing story of a Legend

Best book I've listened to in a long time. In usmc boot camp (2002) we were taught to say good night to Chesty in the rack every night. He is a Legend among marines. Great book!

OUTSTANDING

This was a great book about a great Marine and Marine Corps legend. I have read the book Marine but found this book to get into more detailed information about Chesty. I found the narrator to be perfect and he held my attention. The sadest part of the book was when Chesty said goodbye to his son and when he returned home from Vietnam. As tough as he was, Chesty had a heart of gold, his love and affection for his family was something many people did not know.

I met his son Lewis Jr at a Marine Corps birthday ball at Camp Smith, NY around the late 1980s. I sat at the same table with him and it was an honor to know him. We spoke about Vietnam but not his injuries or his father. I was very saddened when Lewis Jr took his own life, but I noticed at the Ball he was quite depressed. I attended his burial and and to this day think of him often knowing he is at his fathers side in heaven.

This is a must read book about the life of LtGen Chesty Puller. Rest in peace Chesty and Lewis Jr, slow hand salute. Semper Fi.

Excellent Timeline. to Chesty's life

I enjoy a good history story. This one is epic and went through his life on a great ride. Although at times there was too much detail to dates of events which brought about confusion from the storyline. A very long read and I really enjoyed it overall. the narrarator was excellent too.

Marine's

This is a book written by a Marine, about a Marine, for Marines. A quarter of the book is about Chesty Puller. The major amount of the book is about the battles he was in. It is not just a straight biography.