People Person

Marine, Chesty Puller

Chesty Puller resided with his men as there were no officers’ messes in his units. Puller rejected all the luxuries he was entitled to and decided to eat and live like the men he commanded. The tradition for the Marine officers to have their food last originated from Puller ways. He once sent a soldier back to the division headquarters while he was on patrol, letting him carry a note. The runner inquired if there was anything he could bring back for the colonel. “Well, old man,” Puller responded, “Get soap, tobacco and mail for the men.”