“I don’t give a good g—–n how many Chinese laundrymen there are between us and Hungnam. There aren’t enough in the world to stop a Marine regiment going where it wants to go! Christ in His mercy will see us through.”
Colonel, later Lieutenant General, Lewis “Chesty” Burwell Puller. Said while rallying his vastly outnumbered Marines to defeat attacking Chinese forces at Koto-ri. Here is his fifth Navy Cross Citation:
For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against aggressor forces in the vicinity of Koto-ri, Korea, from 5 to 10 December 1950. Fighting continuously in sub-zero weather against a vastly outnumbering hostile force, Colonel Puller drove off repeated and fanatical enemy attacks upon his Regimental defense sector and supply points. Although the area was frequently covered by grazing machine-gun fire and intense artillery and mortar fire, he coolly moved along his troops to insure their correct tactical employment, reinforced the lines as the situation demanded, and successfully defended the perimeter, keeping open the main supply routes for the movement of the Division. During the attack from Koto-ri to Hungnam, he expertly utilized his Regiment as the Division rear guard, repelling two fierce enemy assaults which severely threatened the security of the unit, and personally supervised the care and prompt evacuation of all casualties. By his unflagging determination, he served to inspire his men to heroic efforts in defense of their positions and assured the safety of much valuable equipment which would otherwise have been lost to the enemy. His skilled leadership, superb courage and valiant devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds reflect the highest credit upon Colonel Puller and the United States Naval Service.
His statement about Christ in His mercy seeing us through I have always found a comfort. Go here for a potential sign that Christ, as always, is seeing us through.
“Go here for a potential sign that Christ, as always, is seeing us through.”
Wow.
Thought 1: Huffpost? Seriously? Who knew?
Thought 2: In centuries long past, younger children were simply commanded to become religious. Today, it’s what the article describes, which could be considered a 180-degree opposite. His creation changes, or flails, really, but God never does. He calls to us where and who we are.
Thought 3: The name of the discernment house, Gratia Plena, led me to recite the Hail Mary in Latin, which I haven’t done meaningfully for, well, ever. So much better.
Good grab. Thank you and thank God.
Marines. Nuff said.
“Christ in His mercy will see us through.”
Now, I hold the man in much higher regard.
Marine! The Life of Chesty Puller by Burke Davis.
A good summer read for teenagers – boys in particular.