“Semper Fidelis“

As Americans, it is fitting to note that November 10^th, 2025, marks the 250^th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.  On that date, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution calling for the creation of two battalions of Marines to serve as a landing force for the Continental Navy. The goal was to have a disciplined force capable of fighting both at sea and on land, providing flexibility in naval operations. Since then, the Corps has accomplished that goal and more.

From youth to senior citizen, there probably has not been a year wherein I have not glued myself to the TV to watch John Wayne, Forrest Tucker and John Agar in “Sands of Iwo Jima”. For generations, Sands of Iwo Jima was the inspirational movie about courage, honor and duty.

Yet, as we celebrate the Marine Corp’s 250^th this November, let us not forget the most decorated Marine in history, and the only Marine to receive 5 Navy Crosses, Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller. Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller was one of the most decorated and revered Marines in the history of the United States Marine Corps. Born on June 26, 1898, in West Point, Virginia, Puller grew up hearing stories of military heroism from the Civil War, which inspired his own desire to serve.

Puller’s early years in the Corps were spent in rugged, remote areas that tested both his endurance and skill. He served in Haiti and Nicaragua during the so-called “Banana Wars,” where he led Marines in small-unit operations against insurgents. It was in these jungle campaigns that Puller honed his leadership abilities and earned a reputation for bravery, tactical brilliance, and unwavering devotion to his men.

When World War II erupted, Puller’s leadership was indispensable. Serving with the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific Theater, he fought in some of the bloodiest battles of the war, including Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu. At Guadalcanal, his battalion repelled repeated Japanese assaults in what became known as the Battle for Henderson Field, a victory that solidified his legendary status.

Puller’s military service continued into the Korean War, where he once again demonstrated extraordinary leadership during the brutal winter campaign at the Chosin Reservoir in 1950. Facing overwhelming Chinese forces and subzero temperatures, Puller’s 1st Marine Regiment fought their way out of encirclement in one of the most remarkable fighting withdrawals in U.S. military history. His steadfast leadership and iconic command…

“We’re surrounded. That simplifies our problem of getting to these people and killing them”

…cemented his status as a Marine Corps legend and symbol of indomitable spirit.

Lieutenant General Puller passed away on October 11, 1971, but his legacy endures in Marine Corps culture and tradition. Recruits at boot camp still chant …

“Good night, Chesty Puller, wherever you are!”

…as a tribute to the man who embodied the very spirit of the Corps—courage, honor, and unbreakable determination.

On November 10^th, let’s pray for our men and women in uniform as well as remembering “Chesty Puller”, the  most decorated Marine in the history of the Corps.