13-054 Garand Picture of the Day

[Mark in Rochester]

Plumley enlisted in the US Army as a private on March 31, 1942. He was a member of the 320th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, with which he made 4 combat jumps and was awarded multiple decorations. He confirms this during interviews conducted with author Phil Nor****, who has written 4 books relating to the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. Plumley went on to make one combat jump in Korea with the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment. He retired as a Command Sergeant Major on December 31, 1974, having been awarded 28 different personal, unit, campaign and service awards and decorations (40 total) in almost 33 years of military service, spanning World War II, the Cold War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. After his retirement, he worked 15 more years for the Army as a civilian in administration at Martin Army Community Hospital and at various Troop Medical Clinics around Ft. Benning (Fort Benning, Georgia), retiring again in 1990.

I did check before I posted...it's on Wiki...

The article cited in wiki

Plumley, veteran of 3 wars, dies at age 92

The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Oct 10, 2012 19:08:46 EDT

"A native of Shady Spring, W.Va., Plumley enlisted in the Army in 1942 and ended up serving 32 years in uniform. In World War II, he fought in the Allied invasion of Italy at Salerno and the D-Day invasion at Normandy. He later fought with the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment in Korea. In Vietnam, Plumley served as sergeant major — the highest enlisted rank — in the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment"

The 187th RCT made 2 combat jumps in Korea.

Wish he wrote a book

found this on Ft Benning Face book

It is with a heavy heart that we report that SGM Basil Plumley passed away at 0400hrs this morning, 10 OCT 2012, after being diagnosed with Colon Cancer and moved to a Hospice a little over a week ago. CSM Plumley lost his first battle on this day, but I am sure he is now whipping Heaven in to shape, as his Soldiers meet him at the gates in formation.

CSM Plumley was the epitome of a Soldier and a Warrior. RIP CSM, you have done your time in Hell, now it is time for you to rest. Thanks to you for all you have done for this country and our freedom. Words can never express the gratitude we have for you and the selfless service you have given to this great country.

Please take the time to do a search on SGM Plumley. In the movie "We Were Soldiers" Sam Elliot was the actor that played him. SGM Plumley was a WWII, Korean War and Vietnam COMBAT Vet. He did a combat jump with the 187th RCT in Korea. Rest in Peace SGM and from this paratrooper I have two words for you "THANK YOU"!!!!!