Captain Joseph Charles Plumb Jr. (born November 3, 1942) also known as Charlie Plumb is a former Navy Fighter Pilot and an ex-POW (Prisoner of war) turned author and motivational speaker.
Maps, Directions, and Place Reviews
Early life and education
Born on November 3, 1942 in Gary, Indiana during World War II, he was raised in a three-room home in rural Kansas, with no indoor plumbing until he was 11. His father, Joseph Charles Plumb, Sr. was a carpenter, his mom, a homemaker. The family moved to Overland Park, a Kansas City suburb, in 1956. Plumb graduated from Shawnee-Mission High School at the age of 17.
Military career
Charlie Plumb graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1964. He earned his Navy Wings of Gold in 1966 and went on to fly the F-4 Phantom jet with fighter squadron VF-114. He was assigned to the aircraft carrier U.S.S.Kittyhawk and flew 74 successful combat missions over Vietnam. On his 75th mission, with five days before he was to return home, his plane was shot down by a surface to air missile, resulting in his capture and torture. He spent a total of 2,103 days as a POW in Communist prison camps.
During the nearly six years of captivity, Charlie Plumb was distinguished among his fellow prisoners for his creative methods of underground communication. He also served for two years as the camp chaplain.
Upon returning home, Plumb continued to fly A-4 Sky Hawks, A-7 Corsairs and F A-18 Hornets in Navy Reserve squadrons. His last commands as a Naval Reservist were aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea, and with a Fighter Air Wing in Lemoore, CA. After 31 years of service, Plumb retired from the Navy with the rank of Captain.
After his repatriation, Plumb became an Author and Professional Speaker, sharing his POW experiences with audiences around the world. One of his signature messages describes the chance meeting with the sailor who packed his parachute, which ultimately saved his life. Captain Plumb continues to receive media coverage as he represents his fellow POW's and their Return With Honor.
Captain Charlie Plumb has been awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, 2 Purple Hearts, Legion of Merit and the POW Medal for his service and attained the rank of Captain in the Naval reserve.
Books
- I'm No Hero (In its 32nd printing) by Charlie Plumb, Independence Press.
- The Last Domino by Charlie Plumb.
- You Can Do It by Bob Budler, Thomas Nelson Publishers.
- Speaking Secrets of the Masters by The Members of Speakers Roundtable.
- Insights Into Excellence by the Members of Speakers Associates.
- Stand Up, Speak Out, And Win by Keith Degreen.
- A Cup Chicken Soup for the Soul "Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit" by Jack Canfield, Mark Hansen, and Barry Spilchuk.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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