NathanThe Banana Wars
Once again Puller was under commission as a second lieutenant in the year 1924. This took place after he served his time in Haiti. The following four years were spent by Puller going around several bases in Virginia, working hard as a trainer. This was often referred to as the calmest time in Puller’s life before all hell broke loose for him.
Battle In South America
Puller was now 30 years of age and in the same year, he spent his time traveling all the way to Nicaragua, to join in the fight against insurgents that are opposing the U.S. occupation. So here in the South American country, Puller finally found something he had been longing for. Puller was now in the presence of a brutal fight and he could finally make use of all his training.
Recognition
While serving in Nicaragua, Puller was able to secure his first Navy Cross. This, if you are not aware, is the second-highest military award for valor who has taken part in a battle. He was awarded this because he helped fight off the Sandinista rebels the stood against the U.S. occupation of the country. He received this in the year 1930 after leading the whole Nicaraguan National Guard troop to win.
Deserving A Medal Of Honor
This was the first ever Navy Cross that Puller would get from the 5 he earned during his time at the military. There are several people who share the sentiment that Puller deserves to get the Medal of Honor as he had done an extensively good job but “Chesty” Puller is still talked about to this day even without awards. So what exactly made him a superstar in the military?
Outnumbered? No Problem
Puller receiving the Navy Cross award was something truly deserved. The award was given to him because he leads his troop to win “five successful engagements against superior numbers of armed bandit forces… with the result that the bandits were in each engagement completely routed with losses of nine killed and many wounded.”
Sandino Rebellion
Puller’s efficiency and bravery as a leader helped the American Marines and Nicaraguan National Guardsmen to combat the insurgents in the last major fight of the Sandino Rebellion in the month of December back in 1932. This was nearing towards the end of his Central American time in the military. He truly made a big impression.