Posted on May 17, 2016
Did CSM Basil Plumley steal valor by wearing unauthorized awards?
78.2K
1.04K
287
26
26
0
"The U.S. Army is investigating allegations by a military researcher that the late Command Sgt. Major Basil Plumley -- a legend in the airborne and infantry communities -- wore unauthorized combat and valor awards that exaggerated the wartime achievements that made him famous.
"Among the many documents Siddall provides in his research is an Oct. 2, 2015, letter from Army Lt. Col Wil Neubauer, chief of Awards and Decorations Branch, confirming that Plumley was authorized to wear one CIB and states that "we are unable to verify" the Combat Infantry Badge with "one star" listed on Plumley's DD Form 214.
"In that same photo, Plumley wore valor awards he did not earn, Siddall wrote. Plumley wore a Silver Star with a bronze oak leaf cluster, which indicates a second Silver Star. Plumley also wore a Bronze Star with a V device for valor and one bronze oak leaf cluster for two awards.
"The October 2015 letter from the Army states Plumley was authorized only one Silver Star and the Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster, not two OLCs. The letter also states that Plumley was not authorized to wear the V device with his Bronze Star medals."
Please read the article before commenting.
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/05/17/army-investigating-we-were-soldiers-legend-for-inflating-award.html
"Among the many documents Siddall provides in his research is an Oct. 2, 2015, letter from Army Lt. Col Wil Neubauer, chief of Awards and Decorations Branch, confirming that Plumley was authorized to wear one CIB and states that "we are unable to verify" the Combat Infantry Badge with "one star" listed on Plumley's DD Form 214.
"In that same photo, Plumley wore valor awards he did not earn, Siddall wrote. Plumley wore a Silver Star with a bronze oak leaf cluster, which indicates a second Silver Star. Plumley also wore a Bronze Star with a V device for valor and one bronze oak leaf cluster for two awards.
"The October 2015 letter from the Army states Plumley was authorized only one Silver Star and the Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster, not two OLCs. The letter also states that Plumley was not authorized to wear the V device with his Bronze Star medals."
Please read the article before commenting.
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/05/17/army-investigating-we-were-soldiers-legend-for-inflating-award.html
Stolen Valor
Vietnam War
Awards
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 139
1
1
0
1
1
0
Well, I guess that the Army Training Film - Infantry Weapons and Their Effects - was wrong.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
There was also a fire that destroyed years of military records at HRC in St Louis some time ago. But no mater what the circumstances, we all should be the honest brokers. I have altered my official photo by removing an award listed on a past DD214, when I couldn't find the actual award itself. I recently found a Glider certificate on my uncle, who was trained but never deployed during WWII. It was not listed on his DD214s? He did serve in Korea as a Armored Cav Scout, was wounded and was awarded a Bronze Star.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
While I agree that this soldier was a hero, let us not forget that an honest an accurate record of a soldiers service is owed to the family and the nation. I do not know all the facts of this issue, but I agree that the Army needs to look at this and clear it up so as to not tarnish this legendary soldier and the image of the military. I will add that the facts about the records fire at the National Records Depository in St. Louis was terrible. According to the agency website 80 percent loss of the records for Army personnel discharged between November 1, 1912 and January 1, 1960. Although it goes on explain how alternate methods are used to document a persons service during this period. Go visit the website and read up on it.
http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/fire-1973.html
http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/fire-1973.html
Information about military personnel records burned in the fire of 1973 at the National Archives, National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, Missouri.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
There is a difference between a real soldier and those surplus cammie want to be's at the mall and other events. The military's ability to screw up record keeping is just a famous as Teddy's ride up San Juan Hill as most of us have been bit in the butt at least once by the Remington Raiders (dating myself). I say let the man rest in peace and remember him for what he was, one hell of a soldier!
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I say no. But, when I first saw the story I asked myself, what is the purpose and why would a person go around searching for discrepancies and trash on someone, or anyone for that matter.
This is why I have such a "BIG" problem and issue with information be thrown out over the net and social media. If they want to find discrepancies and trash on someone; go after the "MEDIA" they are experts on "B/S" material to include exaggerations !
This is why I have such a "BIG" problem and issue with information be thrown out over the net and social media. If they want to find discrepancies and trash on someone; go after the "MEDIA" they are experts on "B/S" material to include exaggerations !
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
"Lt. Col Wil Neubauer, chief of Awards and Decorations Branch states that "we are unable to verify" listed on Plumley's DD Form 214." The DD-214 unless I am greatly mistaken is supposed to be a listing of the persons military record given to them when they exit the military, or when they retire! The fact that the Chief of Awards and Decorations CAN NOT verify, to be brutal does not mean SQUAT! Considering when my sister and I requested my fathers documentation for a claim against the USAF and the DOJ we received 400+ pages including some from a complete stranger? So I give no credence to this story about Command Sgt. Major Basil Plumley may have or may not have had medals, ribbons or whatever on his uniform that the Military can not verify. The man is dead, let it be! To the Auther find something CONSTURCTIVE to do with your time!
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
1
1
0
Who is this Siddall guy? What is his point and his purpose? Yes his dad and his uncle may have fought in WWII and got there recognition for there actions. Anyone who has been in the military knows that when you move around allot and go to different theaters of action that paper work gets lost and mixed up with others. He is trying so hard to down grade an American hero like SGM Plumley. SGM did his time and did an outstanding job while he was serving his country. This Siddall guy has he ever served, he he a veteran or a merchant seamen? What does he know about service to his country or your brother who might get killed beside you at any minute. He is putting so much energy in trying to get SGM records together and prove he did something wrong. He should be putting all this time into how to make the world a safer place. This dude sounds like a politician bucking for an at-a-boy.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Sir, I'm going to keep it short and simple. There is not that much to talk about since the CSM will not be able to defend himself nor explain why maybe he was missing stuff on his records.
I think that this individual has something personal against him or just wants to become famous for some reason using the CSM's name.
In my eyes the benefit of doubt goes to the CSM. Let the CSM rest in peace.
I think that this individual has something personal against him or just wants to become famous for some reason using the CSM's name.
In my eyes the benefit of doubt goes to the CSM. Let the CSM rest in peace.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google