Lewis Puller (FFG 23) - Naval Cruise Book

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V ifcu x : J5fi. •- •=- -J -, 13 January 19S4 To the Men of USS LEWIS B. PULLER, On this first deployment of -CHESTY PULLER, my heart goes forth to you and your fighting ship. I pray that she will help deter conflict, and know that you who man her will always be ready to defend this Nation ' s precious freedoms. My husband, Lieutenant General Lewis B. Chesty Puller, the Marine whose name your ship bears, held a revered place in his heart for those who are on the Navy-Marine Corps team. General Puller lived to serve our wonderful country. He was a combat Marine who led by example and personal courage. He believed there is an obligation to bear arms, and practiced soldierly discipline by personal heroism and devotion to duty. I know you will carry this proud heritage of service under arms in the days and months ahead. May God bless this ship and her men with fair winds and following seas. ' !ji, V iJ 1 V ' -c .WL, Pui.tl2. ,

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SHIP ' S CREED USS LEWIS B. PULLER (FFG-2;3) 1 . Each crew memliei- is entitled to dignity and resiject as an individual, but must abide by common standards established by the command. Rights carry responsibilities. ' 2. No one should lie, cheat or steal from a shipmate or fail to come to his aid in time of need. H. Each man must contribute 100 ' , at ' his ability to the ship ' s missif)n. Any less effort by an individual passes the buck to someone else. 4. The ship ' s crew is a disciplined family structure with similar relationships liased on mutual respect among members. o. It is essential that issues and problems which tend to lessen the ship ' s effectiveness be addressed and resolved. 8. A blending of separate cultures, varying educational levels and different social backgrounds is possible in an unselfish atmosphere of common goals, aspirations and mutual understanding. 7. We will strive for excellence in everything we do. We recognize that being the best requires common effort, hard work and teamwork. Nothing worthwhile comes easy. 8. Each man deserves job satisfaction, equal consideration and recognition of his accomplishments. 9. Knowing yciur fellow shipmate well enables y ou to learn to look at things thnnii h !(,s eyes as well as your own. 10. Issues detracting from the efficiency and sense of well being of an individual should be surfaced and weighed against the impact of the ship as a whole. 11. It must be recognized that a brotherhood concept depends on all members bclon i inL; - being fully accepted by others within. 1 2. The ship ' s motto - SERVICE. DISCIPLINE. ESPRIT - is the code we will strive to live by each day as we work to achieve excellence.

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Then Lt. Col Chesty Puller, somewhere in the South Pacific, recovering from , Guadalcanal, OCTOBER. 1943 (DOD PHOTO) wound received A MARINE ' S MARINE . . . Lieutenant General Lewis B. Ciiesty Puller was the only Marine ever to win the Navy Cross five times for heroism and gallantry in action. The General was born at West Point, Virginia. June 26, 1898. He died October 11. 1971 in Hampton. Virginia. While attending Virginia Military Institute he decided to enlist in the Marine Corps in 1918 but was placed on inactive duty as a Marine Reserve 2nd Lieutenant after World War I. He rejoined 30 days later and served 5 years with the Gendarmerie d ' Haiti, after which he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 1924. Twenty-seven of his thirty-seven years as a Marine he spent at sea or overseas, including command of the famous Horse Marines in China in 1933. He was one of the most decorated Marines in history and was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross and his fifth Navy Cross for heroism in action as Commander of the 1st Marines Division, in 1950 in Korea; the other four were earned in Nicaragua in 1930 and 1932, and in Guadalcanal and Cape Gloucester during World War U. The General also holds the Legion of Merit with Combat V and Gold Star; the Army Silver Medal; and the Air Medal with 2 Gold Stars. The Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal he earned during WWII. His other medals and decorations include the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars; the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Star; the WWI Victory Medal with West Indies clasp, and WWII Victory Medal; the Haitian Campaign Medal; the 2nd Nicaraguan Campaign Medal; the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal with Bronze Star; the China Service Medal; the American Defense Service Medal with Base clasp; the American Area Campaign Medal; the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars; the National Defense Service Medal; the Korean Service Medal with Silver Star; the United Nations Service Medal, the Haitian Medaille Militaire; the Nicaraguan Presidential Medal of Merit with Diploma; the Republic of Korea ' s Ulchi Medal with Gold Star; and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster. The General ' s last active duty station was Camp Lejeune. North Carolina, where he was commanding the 2nd Marine Division when he became seriously ill. forcing him to retire November 1, 1955, at which time he was promoted to Lieutenant General.