Chesty's rack
 

Here is a reconstruction of Chesty Puller's rack put together by USMF member "dg0223" (user name):
http://www.patriotfiles.com/forum/im...2011/32686.png

Seems a bit strange that he would have several Navy Crosses and the Army's Distinguished Service Cross as well. Hmmmmmmmmmm

hmmmmm...
 

I'll look into the reason for that DSC.

Cross-service valor awards are rare, but not unheard of.

Scout...
 

Here is the reply on that matter (from a Marine militaria collector):

"Serving in Korea from September 1950 to April 1951, the General earned the Army Silver Star Medal in the Inchon landing, his second Legion of Merit with Combat "V" in the Inchon-Seoul fighting and the early phases of the Chosin Reservoir campaign, and three Air Medals for reconnaissance and liaison flights over enemy territory.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross from the Army for action from November 29 to December 5 of that same year, and his fifth Navy Cross for action during December at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. It was during that battle when he made the famous quote, "We've been looking for the enemy for some time now. We've finally found him. We're surrounded. That simplifies things."

I fail to see the connections. Either Chesty was in the Marines, working for the Marines, or he was at some Joint Command level organization, headed up by an Army general, and that's how the DSC came onto the scene. One would think that after 5 Navy Crosses, somebody might get the idea that that man deserved the Medal of Honor.

The citation
 

Distinguished Service Cross citation

Citation:

"The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller (MCSN: 0-3158), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir, Korea, during the period 29 November to 4 December 1950. Colonel Puller's actions contributed materially to the breakthrough of the First Marine Regiment in the Chosin Reservoir area and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service."

> I still don't see the direct connection with Army either... unless a President can give awards across branches on their own?

Here is the criterion:

"Eligibility The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself or herself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the United States is not a belligerent party."

It specifically requires service with the Army. Maybe the 1st Marines were under Army command at the time?

p.s.
 

Looks like the operation was under the control of US Army 10th Corps involving both 3rd and 7th Infantry Divisions, along with 1st Marines, a UK and a South Korean unit.

There have been many instances where a Marine unit was under the command of an Army Corps, but nevertheless, the Marines do not lose their distinctive identity. Unless 'Chesty' was working in a unified command, it still seems strange that the DSC was awarded. And according ot the citation, is was in a Marine unit.

The wording of the citation also seems a bit strange; mine reads, "... To all who shall see these presents, greeting: This is to certify that the President of the United States of America, authorized by Congress, has awarded the Distinguished Service Cross to ...."

True...

I was starting to think maybe his DSC could have been an honorary, sorta like the CIB MacArthur was given ceremonially one time.

Sometimes we see that CIB on his rack, and sometimes not - and sometimes it is said that he did earn it. But, too, we also see his rack without it being worn in person.

Thing is, I don't imagine somebody like Chesty would have worn a medal not entitled, but I do easily imagine it being shown on a rack attributed to him just because (if so) it was honorary.

Interesting to think about though... I never would have questioned it beforehand.

Sir Blue
 

DSC's are NOT awarded on an honorary basis - ever. Now, regarding the Legion of Merit award so prominently displayed, I have some problems with it as well: why is there a 'star' on it? Or a "V" device? Those devices don't apply to the LoM. And speaking of stars, what's with those four stars on Chesty's Navy Cross? If he received the NC multiple times, the multiple awards would be represented by an Oak Leaf Cluster. Same/Same for the Air Medal.

BOTTOM LINE: I think that we have been suckered by this dg0223 character. The entire rack now appears phony.