Charles Peshall Plunkett

Charles Peshall Plunkett
Born February 15, 1864
Washington, D.C.
Died March 24, 1931 (aged 67)
Washington, D.C.
Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery[1]
Allegiance  United States
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service 1879–1928
Rank Rear Admiral
Commands held North Dakota (BB-29)
South Dakota (ACR-9)
Battles/wars Spanish–American War
World War I
Awards Distinguished Service Medal

Rear Admiral Charles Peshall Plunkett, (15 February 1864–24 March 1931) was an officer of the United States Navy who served in the Spanish-American War and World War I.[2]

Biography

Plunkett was born in Washington, D.C. and was appointed to the Naval Academy in 1879. During the Spanish–American War, he served in Admiral Dewey's Squadron at the Battle of Manila Bay. He commanded both the battleship North Dakota (BB-29) and the armored cruiser South Dakota (ACR-9), and served as Director of Target Practice and Engineering Competitions for the Navy Department before the United States entered World War I.[2]

In July 1918, he assumed command of the five Naval Railway Batteries in France. Under his direction the mobile units of 14-inch battleship guns supported the French and American armies from 6 September until the Armistice, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his service during the war. He later commanded Destroyers, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and served as Chief of Staff at the Naval War College; as President of the Board of Inspection and Survey; and as Commandant of the New York Navy Yard and the 3rd Naval District.[2]

Retiring in 1928, Rear Admiral Plunkett died, in Washington, D.C., on 24 March 1931.[2]

Namesake

The Gleaves-class destroyer USS Plunkett (DD-431) was named in his honor.

References

  1. ↑ "Charles Peshall Plunkett, Rear Admiral, United States Navy". arlingtoncemetery.net. Retrieved 19 October 2010.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Plunkett". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 19 October 2010.