Chain of Command
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.
Other Memories
Charles P. Plunkett graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1884. By June 1, 1904 he was a Lieutenant Commander. On April 7, 1919 he was permanently promoted to Rear Admiral.
During World War I he served in various capacities from commanding Naval batteries with the French and American armies to commanding the United States Fleet destroyer force. After the War he commanded the Atlantic Fleet destroyer squadrons. He was appointed Chief of Staff, Naval War College in December 1920. He became President of the Board of Inspection and Survey in August 1921. He commanded the 3rd Naval District and the New York Navy Yard from 1922 to 1928.
He was awarded the United States Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the United States Army Distinguished Service Medal. He was a Commander of the French Legion of Honor and was awarded the Portuguese Decoration, Tower and Sword.
Chain of Command
Charles P. Plunkett graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1884. By June 1, 1904 he was a Lieutenant Commander. On April 7, 1919 he was permanently promoted to Rear Admiral.
During World War I he served in various capacities from commanding Naval batteries with the French and American armies to commanding the United States Fleet destroyer force. After the War he commanded the Atlantic Fleet destroyer squadrons. He was appointed Chief of Staff, Naval War College in December 1920. He became President of the Board of Inspection and Survey in August 1921. He commanded the 3rd Naval District and the New York Navy Yard from 1922 to 1928.
He was awarded the United States Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the United States Army Distinguished Service Medal. He was a Commander of the French Legion of Honor and was awarded the Portuguese Decoration, Tower and Sword.
Chain of Command
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.
Other Memories
Charles P. Plunkett graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1884. By June 1, 1904 he was a Lieutenant Commander. On April 7, 1919 he was permanently promoted to Rear Admiral.
During World War I he served in various capacities from commanding Naval batteries with the French and American armies to commanding the United States Fleet destroyer force. After the War he commanded the Atlantic Fleet destroyer squadrons. He was appointed Chief of Staff, Naval War College in December 1920. He became President of the Board of Inspection and Survey in August 1921. He commanded the 3rd Naval District and the New York Navy Yard from 1922 to 1928.
He was awarded the United States Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the United States Army Distinguished Service Medal. He was a Commander of the French Legion of Honor and was awarded the Portuguese Decoration, Tower and Sword.
Chain of Command
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.
Other Memories
Charles P. Plunkett graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1884. By June 1, 1904 he was a Lieutenant Commander. On April 7, 1919 he was permanently promoted to Rear Admiral.
During World War I he served in various capacities from commanding Naval batteries with the French and American armies to commanding the United States Fleet destroyer force. After the War he commanded the Atlantic Fleet destroyer squadrons. He was appointed Chief of Staff, Naval War College in December 1920. He became President of the Board of Inspection and Survey in August 1921. He commanded the 3rd Naval District and the New York Navy Yard from 1922 to 1928.
He was awarded the United States Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the United States Army Distinguished Service Medal. He was a Commander of the French Legion of Honor and was awarded the Portuguese Decoration, Tower and Sword.
Chain of Command
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.
Other Memories
Charles P. Plunkett graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1884. By June 1, 1904 he was a Lieutenant Commander. On April 7, 1919 he was permanently promoted to Rear Admiral.
During World War I he served in various capacities from commanding Naval batteries with the French and American armies to commanding the United States Fleet destroyer force. After the War he commanded the Atlantic Fleet destroyer squadrons. He was appointed Chief of Staff, Naval War College in December 1920. He became President of the Board of Inspection and Survey in August 1921. He commanded the 3rd Naval District and the New York Navy Yard from 1922 to 1928.
He was awarded the United States Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the United States Army Distinguished Service Medal. He was a Commander of the French Legion of Honor and was awarded the Portuguese Decoration, Tower and Sword.
Criteria The Army Distinguished Service Medal may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Army, performs exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsi... The Army Distinguished Service Medal may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Army, performs exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility. The individual's performance must merit recognition for services which are clearly exceptional, and the performance of normal duties in an exceptional manner by itself will not justify an award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal MoreHide
Comments Army Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded for actions during World War I
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army ... Army Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded for actions during World War I
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Charles Peshall Plunkett, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I, as Director of Gunnery Exercises. Rear Admiral Plunkett supervised the production, transportation to Europe, and the placing in action on the Western Front of the United States Naval Gun Battalion of five 14-inch guns on railway mounts, the most powerful artillery weapons brought into action against Germany and her allies during the war. In this stupendous undertaking, the successful accomplishment of which had an important bearing on the outcome of the war, Rear Admiral Plunkett displayed technical knowledge of a high order, combined with practical knowledge of the needs of the service and the difficulties to be encountered. He worked with unceasing zeal and devotion, rendering a service of rare distinction to the American Expeditionary Force during World War I.
General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 59 (1919)
Action Date: World War I
Service: Navy
Rank: Rear Admiral
Company: Director
Division: Gunnery Exercises MoreHide
Chain of Command
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.
Criteria The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious ser... The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. MoreHide
Comments Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded for actions during World War I
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Ch... Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded for actions during World War I
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Charles Peshall Plunkett, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as Director of Gunnery Exercises in connection with the training of Naval Personnel in gunnery in preparation for war, and also in connection with the development, organization and operation of a naval field battery for duty in land operations on the European battle front during World War I.
General Orders: Authority: Navy Book of Distinguished Service (Stringer)
Action Date: World War I
Service: Navy
Rank: Rear Admiral
Company: Director
Division: Gunnery Exercises MoreHide
Criteria The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American... The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in European Russia between November 12, 1918, and August 5, 1919; or for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia between November 23, 1918, and April 1, 1920. MoreHide
Description Admiral Plunkett was a veteran of the Spanish-American War, he also commanded both USS North Dakota and USS South Dakota and had served as Director, Target Practice and Engineering Competitions for th... Admiral Plunkett was a veteran of the Spanish-American War, he also commanded both USS North Dakota and USS South Dakota and had served as Director, Target Practice and Engineering Competitions for the Navy Department before the United States entered World War I.
In July, 1918, he assumed command of the 5 Naval Railway Batteries in France. under his direction those mobile units of 14" battleship guns supported French and American armies from 6 September until the Armistice. Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his service during the First World War. MoreHide
Memories In July 1918, he assumed command of the five Naval Railway Batteries in France. Under his direction 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.... More
Description The United States of America declared war on the German Empire on April 6, 1917. The U.S. was an independent power and did not officially join the Allies. It closely cooperated with them militarily buThe United States of America declared war on the German Empire on April 6, 1917. The U.S. was an independent power and did not officially join the Allies. It closely cooperated with them militarily but acted alone in diplomacy. The U.S. made its major contributions in terms of supplies, raw material and money, starting in 1917. American soldiers under General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), arrived in large numbers on the Western Front in the summer of 1918. They played a major role until victory was achieved on November 11, 1918. Before entering the war, the U.S had remained neutral, though it had been an important supplier to Great Britain and the other Allied powers. During the war, the U.S mobilized over 4 million military personnel and suffered 110,000 deaths, including 43,000 due to the influenza pandemic. The war saw a dramatic expansion of the United States government in an effort to harness the war effort and a significant increase in the size of the U.S. military. After a slow start in mobilising the economy and labour force, by spring 1918 the nation was poised to play a role in the conflict. Under the leadership of President Woodrow Wilson, the war represented the climax of the Progressive Era as it sought to bring reform and democracy to the world, although there was substantial public opposition to United States entry into the war.
Although the United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, it did not initially declare war on the other Central Powers, a state of affairs that Woodrow Wilson described as an "embarrassing obstacle" in his State of the Union speech. Congress declared war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire on December 17, 1917, but never made declarations of war against the other Central Powers, Bulgaria, the Ottoman Empire or the various Co-belligerents allied with the central powers, thus the United States remained uninvolved in the military campaigns in central, eastern and southern Europe, the Middle East, the Caucasus, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
The United States as late as 1917 maintained only a small army, smaller than thirteen of the nations and empires already active in the war. After the passage of the Selective Service Act in 1917, it drafted 2.8 million men into military service. By the summer of 1918 about a million U.S. soldiers had arrived in France, about half of whom eventually saw front-line service; by the Armistice of November 11 approximately 10,000 fresh soldiers were arriving in France daily. In 1917 Congress gave U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans when they were drafted to participate in World War I, as part of the Jones Act. In the end Germany miscalculated the United States' influence on the outcome of the conflict, believing it would be many more months before U.S. troops would arrive and overestimating the effectiveness of U-boats in slowing the American buildup.
The United States Navy sent a battleship group to Scapa Flow to join with the British Grand Fleet, destroyers to Queenstown, Ireland and submarines to help guard convoys. Several regiments of Marines were also dispatched to France. The British and French wanted U.S. units used to reinforce their troops already on the battle lines and not to waste scarce shipping on bringing over supplies. The U.S. rejected the first proposition and accepted the second. General John J. Pershing, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) commander, refused to break up U.S. units to serve as mere reinforcements for British Empire and French units. As an exception, he did allow African-American combat regiments to fight in French divisions. The Harlem Hellfighters fought as part of the French 16th Division, earning a unit Croix de Guerre for their actions at Château-Thierry, Belleau Wood, and Séchault.
Impact of US forces on the war
On the battlefields of France in spring 1918, the war-weary Allied armies enthusiastically welcomed the fresh American troops. They arrived at the rate of 10,000 a day, at a time when the Germans were unable to replace their losses. After British Empire, French and Portuguese forces had defeated and turned back the powerful final German offensive (Spring Offensive of March to July, 1918), the Americans played a role in the Allied final offensive (Hundred Days Offensive of August to November). However, many American commanders used the same flawed tactics which the British, French, Germans and others had abandoned early in the war, and so many American offensives were not particularly effective. Pershing continued to commit troops to these full- frontal attacks, resulting in high casualties against experienced veteran German and Austrian-Hungarian units. Nevertheless, the infusion of new and fresh U.S. troops greatly strengthened the Allies' strategic position and boosted morale. The Allies achieved victory over Germany on November 11, 1918 after German morale had collapsed both at home and on the battlefield.... More
Memories In July 1918, he assumed command of the five Naval Railway Batteries in France. Under his direction 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.... More
Chain of Command
Served as Director of Target Practice and Engineering Competitions for the Navy Department before the United States entered World War I.
Chain of Command
Commanded the USS South Dakota (ACR-9). Also referred to "Armored Cruiser No. 9", and later renamed Huron (CA-9), was a United States Navy Pennsylvania-class armored cruiser.
Chain of Command
USS North Dakota (BB-29), a Delaware-class battleship, was the first ship of the United States Navy named in honor of the U.S. state of North Dakota.
North Dakota was laid down on 16 December 1907 by the Fore River Shipbuilding Company of Quincy, Massachusetts. She was launched on 10 November 1908 sponsored by Miss Mary Benton, daughter of Colonel John Benton of Fargo, North Dakota and commissioned at Boston, Massachusetts on 11 April 1910, Commander Charles P. Plunkett in command.
Other Memories
Pre-World War I
On 8 September 1910, the ship suffered an oil-tank explosion and fire while at sea. Six men - Chief Watertenders August Holtz and Patrick Reid, Chief Machinist's Mates Thomas Stanton and Karl Westa, Machinist's Mate First Class Charles C. Roberts, and Watertender Harry Lipscomb - each received the Medal of Honor "for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession" during the fire.
In her first years, North Dakota operated with the Atlantic Fleet in maneuvers along the East Coast and in the Caribbean Sea. She sailed on 2 November for her first Atlantic crossing, visiting England and France prior to winter-spring maneuvers in the Caribbean. In the summers of 1912â??1913, she carried United States Naval Academy midshipmen for training in New England waters, and on 1 January 1913 she joined the honor escort for HMS Natal as the British ship entered New York City harbor with the body of the late Whitelaw Reid, United States Ambassador to Great Britain.
Criteria The Spanish War Service Medal commemorates certain service during the Spanish-American War. It was awarded for military service of not less than ninety days between April 20, 1898, and April 11, 1899,... The Spanish War Service Medal commemorates certain service during the Spanish-American War. It was awarded for military service of not less than ninety days between April 20, 1898, and April 11, 1899, to servicemen who were not eligible for the Spanish Campaign Medal. The Spanish War Service Medal was originally intended for members of the National Guard mobilized during the Spanish-American War but who were not eligible for the Spanish Campaign Medal. MoreHide
Description Admiral Plunkett was a veteran of the Spanish-American War, he also commanded both USS North Dakota and USS South Dakota and had served as Director, Target Practice and Engineering Competitions for th... Admiral Plunkett was a veteran of the Spanish-American War, he also commanded both USS North Dakota and USS South Dakota and had served as Director, Target Practice and Engineering Competitions for the Navy Department before the United States entered World War I.
In July, 1918, he assumed command of the 5 Naval Railway Batteries in France. under his direction those mobile units of 14" battleship guns supported French and American armies from 6 September until the Armistice. Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his service during the First World War. MoreHide
Criteria The Dewey Medal was a military decoration of the United States Navy which was established by the United States Congress on June 3, 1898. The medal recognizes the leadership of Admiral of the Navy Geor... The Dewey Medal was a military decoration of the United States Navy which was established by the United States Congress on June 3, 1898. The medal recognizes the leadership of Admiral of the Navy George Dewey, during the Spanish-American War, and the sailors and marines under his command. MoreHide
Description
Admiral Plunkett was a veteran of the Spanish-American War where he served in Admiral Dewey's Squadron at the Battle of Manila Bay.
Criteria The Spanish Campaign Medal was awarded for military service in, or on the high seas en route to, any of the following countries during the dates indicated: Cuba (May 11 to July 17, 1898), Puerto Rico ... The Spanish Campaign Medal was awarded for military service in, or on the high seas en route to, any of the following countries during the dates indicated: Cuba (May 11 to July 17, 1898), Puerto Rico (July 24 to August 13, 1898) or Philippine Islands (June 30 to 16 August 16, 1898). MoreHide
Description Admiral Plunkett was a veteran of the Spanish-American War, he also commanded both USS North Dakota and USS South Dakota and had served as Director, Target Practice and Engineering Competitions for th... Admiral Plunkett was a veteran of the Spanish-American War, he also commanded both USS North Dakota and USS South Dakota and had served as Director, Target Practice and Engineering Competitions for the Navy Department before the United States entered World War I.
In July, 1918, he assumed command of the 5 Naval Railway Batteries in France. under his direction those mobile units of 14" battleship guns supported French and American armies from 6 September until the Armistice. Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his service during the First World War. MoreHide
Description The Spanish–American War (Spanish: Guerra hispano-estadounidense or Guerra hispano-americana; Filipino: Digmaang Espanyol-Amerikano) was a conflict fought between Spain and the United States in 1898. The Spanish–American War (Spanish: Guerra hispano-estadounidense or Guerra hispano-americana; Filipino: Digmaang Espanyol-Amerikano) was a conflict fought between Spain and the United States in 1898. Hostilities began in the aftermath of the internal explosion of the USS Maine in Havana harbor in Cuba leading to United States intervention in the Cuban War of Independence. American acquisition of Spain's Pacific possessions led to its involvement in the Philippine Revolution and ultimately in the Philippine–American War.
Revolts had been occurring for some years in Cuba against Spanish rule. The U.S. later backed these revolts upon entering the Spanish–American War. There had been war scares before, as in the Virginius Affair in 1873. In the late 1890s, US public opinion was agitated by anti-Spanish propaganda led by newspaper publishers such as Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst which used yellow journalism to call for war. The business community across the United States had just recovered from a deep depression, and feared that a war would reverse the gains. They lobbied vigorously against going to war.
The US Navy battleship Maine was mysteriously sunk in Havana harbor; political pressures from the Democratic Party pushed the administration of Republican President William McKinley into a war that he had wished to avoid.[9] Spain promised time and time again that it would reform, but never delivered. The United States sent an ultimatum to Spain demanding that it surrender control of Cuba. First Madrid declared war, and Washington then followed suit.
The main issue was Cuban independence; the ten-week war was fought in both the Caribbean and the Pacific. US naval power proved decisive, allowing expeditionary forces to disembark in Cuba against a Spanish garrison already facing nationwide Cuban insurgent attacks and further wasted by yellow fever. Numerically superior Cuban, Philippine, and US forces obtained the surrender of Santiago de Cuba and Manila despite the good performance of some Spanish infantry units and fierce fighting for positions such as San Juan Hill. Madrid sued for peace with two obsolete Spanish squadrons sunk in Santiago de Cuba and Manila Bay and a third, more modern fleet recalled home to protect the Spanish coasts.
The result was the 1898 Treaty of Paris, negotiated on terms favorable to the US which allowed it temporary control of Cuba and ceded ownership of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippine islands. The cession of the Philippines involved payment of $20 million ($575,760,000 today) to Spain by the US to cover infrastructure owned by Spain.
The defeat and collapse of the Spanish Empire was a profound shock to Spain's national psyche, and provoked a thorough philosophical and artistic revaluation of Spanish society known as the Generation of '98.[ The United States gained several island possessions spanning the globe and a rancorous new debate over the wisdom of expansionism. It was one of only five US wars (against a total of eleven sovereign states) to have been formally declared by Congress.... More
Memories Admiral Plunkett was a veteran of the Spanish-American War, he also commanded both USS North Dakota Admiral Plunkett was a veteran of the Spanish-American War, he also commanded both USS North Dakota and USS South Dakota and had served as Director, Target Practice and Engineering Competitions for the Navy Department before the United States entered World War I. ... More
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.
Charles P. Plunkett graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1884. By June 1, 1904 he was a Lieutenant Commander. On April 7, 1919 he was permanently promoted to Rear Admiral.
During World War I he served in various capacities from commanding Naval batteries with the French and American armies to commanding the United States Fleet destroyer force. After the War he commanded the Atlantic Fleet destroyer squadrons. He was appointed Chief of Staff, Naval War College in December 1920. He became President of the Board of Inspection and Survey in August 1921. He commanded the 3rd Naval District and the New York Navy Yard from 1922 to 1928.
He was awarded the United States Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the United States Army Distinguished Service Medal. He was a Commander of the French Legion of Honor and was awarded the Portuguese Decoration, Tower and Sword.