THE CEREMONY WAS carried out in Puller Sr.’s room at the VA.

 

Dignitaries both military and civilian were in attendance, including the

Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. General Coleman

presided over the presentation of the honorary fourth star.

 

Puller Sr. at first did not seem to understand what was going on, but as the

ceremony continued and Coleman whispered some words to him and he saw the star,

he seemed to grasp the enormity of what was happening.

 

When it was over and everyone left, though, Puller motioned for his sons to take

off his uniform jacket. They helped him out of it and then he tapped the

cassette recorder that was on his bedside table.

 

Robert quickly turned it on and Puller Sr. sat back on his bed, turned to face

the recorder, closed his eyes, and smiled as he listened to his wife singing.

 

They left him there and headed out. “I don’t think the fourth star meant as much

to him as hearing her voice does,” said Robert. “Not even close,” said Puller.

He hesitated.

 

Robert noticed this and said, “What?” “Coleman said Dad confronted Jericho. Do

you think he ever thought Jericho was responsible for Mom’s disappearance?” “I

think if Dad remotely thought that was what happened he would have gone over and

shot Jericho himself.” “You’re right.” “So what happens to the stuff they were