The most decorated Marine in history.
Lewis Burwell Puller, whose nickname "Chesty" was inspired by his barrel chest as a result of his asthma, only later symbolizing the intimidating plate of medals and ribbons he bore, was born on June 26, 1898 in West Point, Virginia.He was a second cousin of United States Army General George S. Patton. (Whose grandfather was also a Confederate officer. General Patton learned about the WBTS sitting on his grandfather's knee. BT) His *grandfather had died fighting for the Confederacy during the Civil War (Sic) and his childhood heroes were Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee.
He grew up regularly hunting, fishing and horseback riding and would later remark that, "Those days in the woods saved my life many a time in combat."
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There is precious little about the major on line. The grandfather of one of the most famous generals and the major was killed one hour before Pelham. Seems strange. There should be a book here if there is more information that can be found.
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Major John W. Puller
Report of Brig. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee
HEADQUARTERS LEE’S CAVALRY BRIGADE
March 23, 1863"Among the killed I deeply regret to report Major [J. W.] Puller, of the Fifth, and Lieutenant [C. S.] Harris, of the Fourth, both gallant and highly efficient officers–a heavy loss to their regiments and country."
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From the Richmond Sentinel, 3/20/1863, p. 1, c. 7
The Dead. – The body of Major John Pelham, chief of Artillery in Gen. Stuart’s division, was placed in the Capitol on Wednesday night, where it remained under guard and enshrouded in the colors of the country until sent to the Southern depot, on the way to Alabama. Major J. W. Puller’s remains were sent to Gloucester county for interment, leaving Richmond by the York River train yesterday morning.
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The Mysteries of Kelly's Ford
Harry Gilmor, as already noted, was temporarily assigned to Stuart's staff. According to Gilmor, the 3rd Virginia was already repulsed and the 2nd Virginia Cavalry engaged. Rosser had been wounded and Major J. W. Puller killed. Gilmor wrote:About half an hour after Puller was killed, Pelham and I were standing together, on the right of the 2d Virginia, which was in line, and just then sustaining a severe fire of shell from a light battery posted near.... The shells continued to explode all around us, but principally in our front; and so familiar had they become, that I had ceased to regard them... when, just as the last files of the 2d wheeled into column, I was deafened, by the explosion of one very near. Even then I did not look back till I heard [Capt. James] Bailey exclaim, "My God, they've killed poor Pelham."
==========================================OFFICIAL RECORDS
Colonel WINSTON:
SIR: I have the honor to inclose the above, being a true copy of Mr. Collins' letter addressed to Major Phillips.
The picket reported that twenty-four steamers came down the bay yesterday and proceeded to Old Point.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN W. PULLER,
Captain, Commanding Post.
Mr. Collins is perfectly reliable.
B. F. HUDGINS,
Captain.
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5th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry
The field officers were Colonels Reuben B. Boston, H. Clay Pate, and Thomas L. Rosser; Lieutenant Colonel James H. Allen; and Majors Beverly B. Douglas, John Eells, Cyrus Harding, Jr., and John W. Puller.[1]Thanks, Tom
