Lewis B. Puller

Lewis B. Puller, often known as "Lew" Puller, was a United States Marine Corps officer and author, best known for his memoir detailing his experiences during and after the Vietnam War. The son of the legendary Marine Chesty Puller, he served with distinction in Vietnam before suffering catastrophic wounds that led to a decades-long struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse. His Pulitzer Prize-winning autobiography, Fortunate Son: The Autobiography of Lewis B. Puller Jr., provided a searingly honest account of his physical and psychological trauma, cementing his legacy as a powerful voice for veterans.

Early life and education

Born in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he was the son of the most decorated Marine in United States history, Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller. Growing up in a military family, he was steeped in the traditions of the Marine Corps from an early age. He attended Christchurch School, an Episcopal college-preparatory school in Virginia, where he excelled academically and athletically. He subsequently earned a degree in political science from the College of William & Mary, following in the footsteps of his father, who had also attended the Virginia institution.

Military career

Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps through the Platoon Leaders Class program, he was assigned to lead a platoon in Vietnam. In 1968, he served with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines during intense combat operations. On October 11, 1968, near the Demilitarized Zone, he stepped on a booby-trapped artillery round, which resulted in the loss of both legs and most of his fingers. He was evacuated and received extensive treatment at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. For his actions in combat, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry.

Post-military life and death

Following his medical retirement, he earned a Juris Doctor degree from the College of William & Mary and worked as an attorney for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. He also served as a speechwriter for the United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. His personal struggles with depression, alcoholism, and PTSD were chronicled in his acclaimed memoir. Despite the success of his book, which won the 1992 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography, his psychological wounds persisted. He died by suicide at his home in Fairfax, Virginia in 1994 and was interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Awards and decorations

His military decorations include the Silver Star, the Purple Heart (with gold star in lieu of a second award), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat "V", the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze campaign stars, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. These awards reflect his valor in combat and the severe sacrifices he endured during his service in Southeast Asia.

Legacy

His memoir, Fortunate Son: The Autobiography of Lewis B. Puller Jr., remains a seminal work in the literature of the Vietnam War, offering an unflinching look at the long-term cost of combat. The book brought significant public attention to the issues of post-traumatic stress disorder and veteran rehabilitation. In his memory, the Lewis B. Puller Jr. Veterans Benefits Clinic was established at the College of William & Mary to provide legal services to disabled veterans. His life story continues to be cited in discussions about the psychological trauma of war and the challenges faced by the generation that served in Vietnam.

Category:American military personnel of the Vietnam War Category:American memoirists Category:1945 births Category:1994 deaths