Rear Admiral Charles Plunkett

Naval History & Heritage Command photo.

RAdm. Charles Peshall Plunkett, USN.

Charles Peshall Plunkett, born in Washington, D.C., 15 February 1864, was appointed to the Naval Academy in 1879. A veteran of the Spanish-American War, during which he commanded both North Dakota and South Dakota, he also 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 five naval railway batteries in France. Under his direction those mobile units of 14-inch battleship guns supported French and American armies from 6 September until the Armistice. Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his service during the war, he later commanded Destroyers, US Atlantic Fleet, and served as Chief of Staff, Naval War College; President, Board of Inspection and Survey; and as Commandant, New York Navy Yard and the Third Naval District.

Retiring in 1928, Rear Admiral Plunkett died at Washington, D.C., 24 March 1931.


Source: Naval History & Heritage Command including Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.