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Other duties came my way—I learned that I was to be the ‘Aide’ for General Chesty Puller’ who lived in Saluda, Va. whenever he had to attend some function in and around Virginia. Also, we provided a vehicle and a driver for his trips to the airport. I enjoyed meeting General Puller and his lovely wife —Virginia, who normally accompanied him on these trips. My first visit to his home in Saluda was special—I had learned all about General Puller, of course, throughout my time in the Corps.. his home was modest but nice—a comfortable home that smelled of cedar wood burning in the fireplace and his favorite pipe tobacco. My first visit was simply to introduce myself as Capt. Brown’s replacement and to acknowledge that I would have the honor of serving as his aide whenever the need would arise. The General never did say much—Mrs. Puller did most of the talking —asking me questions about my family and such. The General wanted to know what I thought of the War and I told him—he shook his head in agreement —and said ‘a damn mistake’!
Not long after my first meeting with the General I learned from Capt. Bob Padgett that Chesty’s Son, Lewis Puller, Jr. was going to be sworn in as an officer candidate recruit. Capt. Padgett was the OIC for officer recruitment. My office was the ‘ceremonial’ office—with the U.S Flag, the Marine Corps. Flag and the State of Virginia flags appropriately displayed for ‘swearing in ‘ ceremonies and the like. Capt. Padgett arranged with me to have Chesty ’s son sworn in using that office. I was present along with the Pullers, family members and friends of the family—it was a little crowded. The picture of the swearing in ceremony shows Capt. Padgett giving the oath to young Lewis Puller, Jr. When the oath
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