Posted on May 17, 2016
Did CSM Basil Plumley steal valor by wearing unauthorized awards?
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"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
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Jesus Christ. First it's transgender bathrooms and now it's some schmuck trying to berate a dead war hero. Doesn't he have anything better to do,, like go play in traffic?
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Sure looks like the "thought" he was "entitled" to some awards he didn't earn/deserve. I think HRC and the NPRC will get to the bottom of this. But I'll say I read part of the history and it sure seems like he shook down clothing sales once or twice.
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I have alot more than he does, as far as amount. I never really cared about awards. I DO care and am proud of my CIB 2nd award. But, we all know how ompf gets messed up! Maybe he does have what he says. We used typewriters when I came in! LoL
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Come on guys! Admin never screws up awards and everyone is paid on time...yeah right. The awards process is flawed I speak from experience. It can be corrected over time but once again you go through 100 yards of crap. Leave this man alone he served honorable, there are bigger fish to fry.
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This "researcher" is from Ithaca, NY. He seems to spend a lot of time going after dead veterans. This is not exactly a military friendly part of the country. We had a joke when I lived near there...Ithaca, 10 square miles surrounded by reality.
I will take his "research" for the military hate spewing that it is.
I will take his "research" for the military hate spewing that it is.
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This shouldn't have been brought up since the CSM is deceased, no need to make his family bare any pain and embarrassment. Let CSM Plumley rest in peace after all he did served with honors, it is a slip up that got by too late.
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COL Sam Russell
The article just came out in the Early Bird this morning. Thought it was worth sharing.
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LTC Stephen C.
COL Sam Russell, I realize that you're merely "reporting the news" & I cast no aspersions your way. However, CSM Plumley appeared in uniform many times post retirement, yet before his death. It seems much more appropriate to have brought these issues to light while he was still alive to either adequately explain or face the consequences.
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Well, the Air Force "Lost" three of my awards. Did I stop wearing them? No. Were they on my DD214? No. However, I had copies of my award letters and even the award entries in my Navy PIF. So, this does not surprise me. I assumed the CSM saw combat in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. That would answer the issue of his CIB's.
It is appalling that the Army cannot figure out how badly it (and the others services) make mistakes, Horrible and ever lasting mistakes.
It is appalling that the Army cannot figure out how badly it (and the others services) make mistakes, Horrible and ever lasting mistakes.
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If this is a War College "school project" it is disgusting to air it here.....take the team to the golf course instead, Sir!
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COL Sam Russell
Read it on the Early Bird, and thought it was worth sharing. Don't shoot the messenger, CSM. I get that CSM Plumley is a hero; and no one doubts his bravery.
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If a mistake was made I would bet it was made by DOD not the CSM. He had enough verified awards that a few more would not make a difference. Give him the benifit of the doubt.
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