Basil L. Plumley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Basil L. Plumley
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_Basil_L._Plumley_at_West_Point_10_May_2010.JPG)
CSM(R) Basil Plumley at West Point, May 10, 2010
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| Born | January 1, 1920 Shady Spring, West Virginia, United States |
| Died | October 10, 2012 (aged 92) Columbus, Georgia, United States |
| Buried |
Fort Benning Main Post Cemetery
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| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1974 |
| Rank | Command Sergeant Major |
| Unit | 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II
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| Awards | Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart (2) |
| Spouse(s) |
Deurice Dillon
(m. 1949; died 2012) |
| Other work | Administrative worker at Martin Army Community Hospital (1975–1990) |
Basil Leonard Plumley (born January 1, 1920 – died October 10, 2012) was a very brave and dedicated soldier in the United States Army. He rose to a high rank called Command Sergeant Major. He fought in many important battles during World War II and the Vietnam War. He is especially remembered for his actions during the Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam.
Contents
A Soldier's Journey: Basil Plumley's Military Career
Basil Plumley joined the United States Army as a Private on March 31, 1942. He was a "Gliderman" in the 320th Glider Field Artillery Battalion. This meant he would fly into battle in a special kind of glider plane.
World War II Adventures
Plumley took part in two glider attacks during World War II in Europe. His first was on June 6, 1944, during the Invasion of Normandy (also known as D-Day). His second was for Operation Market Garden on September 18, 1944. He was shot in the hand on that day and received the Purple Heart medal for his injury. He earned many awards for his service in World War II.
Fighting in Korea and Vietnam
During the Korean War, Plumley served with the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment. Later, he fought in Vietnam with the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment. He was a key leader in the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965. His commander, Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore, greatly admired Plumley's leadership.
Moore wrote about Plumley in a 1992 book called We Were Soldiers Once… and Young. This book later became the 2002 movie We Were Soldiers, where actor Sam Elliott played Plumley. His soldiers affectionately called him "Old Iron Jaw" because he was so tough and determined.
Retirement and Later Life
Command Sergeant Major Basil Plumley retired from the army on December 31, 1974. He had served for almost 33 years! During his time, he earned 28 different awards and decorations. After retiring from the military, he continued to work for the army as a civilian. He worked in administration at Martin Army Community Hospital until he retired again in 1990.
Basil Plumley's Personal Life
Basil Plumley was born on January 1, 1920, in Shady Spring, West Virginia. His father was a coal miner. After finishing two years of high school, Basil worked as a driver before joining the army. In 1949, he married Deurice Dillon. They were married for 63 years until she passed away in 2012. Basil Plumley died of cancer on October 10, 2012, in Columbus, Georgia. He is remembered by his daughter, granddaughter, and two great-grandchildren.
Recognizing a Hero: Awards and Decorations
Basil Plumley received many important awards for his bravery and service. Sometimes, old army records can have small differences, but the U.S. Army has confirmed his main awards.
Here are some of the key awards he earned:
- Silver Star: A medal for bravery in combat.
- Legion of Merit: Given for outstanding service and achievements.
- Bronze Star Medal: Awarded for heroic or brave actions, or for good service in a combat zone.
- Purple Heart: Given to soldiers wounded or killed in battle. Plumley received this twice!
- Air Medal: For heroic actions while flying.
- Army Commendation Medal: For heroic acts or outstanding service.
- Combat Infantryman Badge: Shows he fought in ground combat.
- Master Parachutist Badge: Shows he was an expert at parachuting.
- Glider Badge: Shows he was trained to use gliders in combat.
- Army Good Conduct Medal: For good behavior and service.
- World War II Victory Medal: For serving in World War II.
- Vietnam Service Medal: For serving in the Vietnam War.
- Korea Defense Service Medal: For serving in Korea.
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross: A medal from Vietnam for bravery.
He also received special unit awards and recognition from France, Belgium, and The Netherlands for his service in World War II.
Images for kids
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CSM(R) Basil Plumley at West Point, May 10, 2010
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Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd award)
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Combat Infantryman Badge (3rd award)
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Combat Infantryman Badge (1st award)
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Silver Star Medal ribbon
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Legion of Merit ribbon
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Bronze Star Medal ribbon
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Air Medal ribbon
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Award numeral "7"
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Army Commendation Medal ribbon
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Purple Heart ribbon
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Army Good Conduct Ribbon
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Good conduct loops (8 awards)
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Good conduct loops (6 awards)
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American Defense Service Medal ribbon
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American Campaign Medal ribbon
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European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign ribbon
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World War II Victory Medal ribbon
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Army of Occupation Medal ribbon
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National Defense Service Medal ribbon
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Vietnam Service Medal ribbon
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Korea Defense Service Medal ribbon
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Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon
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French Croix de Guerre 1939–1945 ribbon
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Belgian Croix de Guerre 1944 ribbon
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Vietnam Gallantry Cross ribbon
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Gold Star device
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Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal ribbon, Second Class
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Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon
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Master Parachutist Badge
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Glider Badge
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Republic of Vietnam Parachutist Badge
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Bronze Palm device
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Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
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Army Presidential Unit Citation ribbon
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Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal unit citation
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Master Parachutist Badge (United States)
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Arrowhead device
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Silver service star
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Bronze service star
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Award numeral 7
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Bronze oakleaf
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