Marine Math

The Korean War, in which the Marine Corps fought and won some of its most brutal battles, was not without its gallows of humor.

During one such conflict a ROK (Republic of Korea) commander, whose unit was fighting along with the Marines, called legendary Marine General Chesty Puller to report a major Chinese attack in his sector. “How many Chinese are attacking you?” asked Puller. “Many, many Chinese!” replied the excited Korean officer.

General Puller asked for another count and got the same answer, “Many, many, many Chinese!” “G-d d–mit!” swore Puller, “Put my Marine liaison officer on the radio.” In a minute, an American voice came over the air: “Yes sir?” “Lieutenant,” growled Chesty, “exactly how many Chinese you got up there?” “General, we got a whole sh-t load of Chinese up here!”

“Thank God.” exclaimed Puller, “At least there’s someone up there who knows how to count.

Willy Carroll,
’63 – ’89