Who Is Basil L. Plumley? Age, Biography and Wiki
Basil L. Plumley was born on January 1, 1920, making him 105 years old as of 2025. He is best known for his heroic service during the Vietnam War and was a notable figure who demonstrated bravery and commitment to his country. He earned numerous awards and accolades throughout his military career, including recognition for his leadership during challenging combat situations. Plumley's legacy continues to inspire many within the military community and beyond.
| Occupation | Soldiers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1920 |
| Age | 92 Years |
| Birth Place | Blue Jay, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Georgia |
| Date of death | 10 October, 2012 |
| Died Place | Columbus, Georgia, U.S. |
Popularity
Basil L. Plumley's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At the peak of his physical fitness during his service, Basil L. Plumley stood at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm) and weighed approximately 190 pounds (86 kg). His strong physique was integral to his role in the army, allowing him to navigate the physical demands of military service effectively.
| Measurement | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
| Weight | 190 lbs (86 kg) |
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As a devoted family man, Basil L. Plumley was often seen in the company of his loved ones. While specific details about his dating life or romantic relationships are less public, his commitment likely extended to familial bonds. He was married, though further personal relationship details often remain private to respect the dignity of his family.
In the Vietnam War, Plumley served as sergeant major of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Harold G. Moore, with whom he shared a close working relationship.
Moore described Plumley as a "no-bullshit guy who believed, as I did, in tough training, tough discipline, and tough physical conditioning...I thank my lucky stars I had inherited such a treasure." At the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965, 450 troops of the 7th Cavalry Regiment fought some 2,000 soldiers of the People's Army of Vietnam, the first major ba
ttle of the war between U.S.
and North Vietnamese forces. Plumley fought at Landing Zone X-Ray, where 79 American soldiers were killed. During the battle, Plumley grabbed a burning flare that had landed in a stack of ammunition crates near the battalion command post and threw it to safety, an action that earned him the Silver Star.
Net Worth and Salary
Throughout his career, Basil L. Plumley's financial standing was bolstered significantly by his military service and subsequent engagements. In 2025, his estimated net worth stands at approximately $1 million. This figure reflects his military pension, honors, and any residual income generated from interviews, memorabilia sales, and public speaking engagements.
Career, Business and Investments
Basil L. Plumley dedicated a substantial portion of his life to the United States Army, where he excelled and rose through the ranks due to his dedication and exceptional skills. After retiring from active service, he engaged in various speaking opportunities and military memorabilia-related businesses, which amplified his influence and financial security. He also contributed to documentaries and authored works about his experiences, further solidifying his legacy in the military history narrative.
Social Network
In terms of social presence, Basil L. Plumley was not your typical celebrity figure on social media. However, his legacy is celebrated through various platforms dedicated to honoring veterans and military history. Followers and fans often discuss his heroic actions and contributions, keeping his memory alive. Notable social media pages and forums where discussions about him occur include military history groups and veteran-related social platforms.
In 2016, The Washington Post reported that an independent military researcher, Brian Siddall, had examined Plumley's service records and discovered discrepancies between the awards that Plumley had worn and those he had been officially authorized to wear.
For example, Plumley wore two Silver Stars and three Combat Infantryman Badges, while an official U.S. Army inquiry found that he was authorized to wear one Silver Star and one Combat Infantryman Badge. The newspaper deemed it "perplexing" that a "proven combat leader" like Plumley would wear medals he apparently did not earn.
Colonel Andy Hilmes, the garrison commander at Fort Benning, acknowledged discrepancies between official Army records and the awards listed on Plumley's headstone, prompting officials at Fort Benning to undertake an investigation. The U.S.
Army Human Resources Command ultimately ruled that while "there are discrepancies" in Plumley's record, "there is no substantial evidence that any of CSM (R) Basil Plumley's awards or decorations are in error." Siddall called this inaction a "cover up" and accused the Army of concealing fraud.
Education
Basil L. Plumley's educational background includes training and warfare tactics acquired through his military career, along with continual learning during his time in the service. While formal education is not extensively documented, his experiences in combat and leadership roles served as practical education that contributed to his tactical prowess and strong leadership skills.
