The Lewis B. Puller stamp features a photograph of Puller at Koto-ri, Korea, in 1950, and the insignia of the 1st Marine Division. Nicknamed for his barrel chest, Puller (1898-1971), born in West Point, VA, was one of the most famous Marine commanders in Corps history. He was a battalion commander and regimental commander with the 1st Marine Division during World War II and the Korean War.
True to himself and the Corps, Puller never was one to mince words.
During the Korean War, when surrounded by more than 100,000 Chinese soldiers at the Chosin Reservoir, Puller is believed to have said, "They're on our right, they're on our left, they're in front of us, they're behind us; they can't get away from us this time."
During his 37-year career, Puller was awarded 14 personal decorations in combat, five Navy Crosses (the nation's second highest award for valor), one Army Distinguished Service Cross plus a long list of campaign medals, unit citation ribbons and other awards. He began his career with the "Horse Soldiers" in China, then on to four World War II campaigns, the Korean War and expeditionary service in China, Nicaragua and Haiti.