United States 
Seagoing Marine Association
USSMA LENDS SUPPORT TO
LT GEN LEWIS B. “CHESTY” PULLER STATUE
It may surprise our readers to learn that, other than his gravesite
headstone, no memorial exists to a great contemporary icon of the US
Marine Corps, LT GEN LEWIS B. PULLER. Some time ago, a well-known sculptor,
Mr. Terry Jones, created a model on request but financing the bronze
statue and granite foundation was deemed unlikely.
Destiny sometimes has a way of making impossible dreams come true. On the Semper Fi Trail at the new NMMC, our recently installed granite marker is placed alongside the pathway leading to a new circular overlook slated to be named for General Puller once a donor provides the endowment funds for it’s completion
A separate group has revived the statue idea but they needed a 501-C-3 non-profit group to provide the avenue for their charitable donation deposit in a special account.
Upon confirming that General Puller served two tours of sea duty (1935-37 and 1939-41) as C.O. of the Marine detachment USS AUGUSTA (CA-31), the IRS agreed to the request to use USSMA as the vehicle had merit and they approved.
General Puller’s surviving family members have consented to the preliminary statue design. The completed statue may be placed in the center of the overlook.
We will not actively participate with funding other then that our members may choose to provide.
Member Jim Barnett has formed a “Chesty Puller Committee”. Jim is being assisted by Corby Gorman of USSMA and other marines in some redesign ideas to meet the criterion as established several years ago by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
More information and recent drawings will be available for questions and answers at the Seattle Fleet Review business meeting.
Bob Vanderveen
President
Letter of Authenticity, Marine Corp Heritage Museum.
Statue Illustration - Final Approved Design.
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website created and maintained
by S. Vanderveen
Last update
3/25/10