RIP

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil_L._Plumley

Combat Infantryman Badge (three awards)
Master Combat Parachutist Badge with gold star (indicating 5 combat jumps)
Vietnam Army Basic Parachutist Badge
Silver Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and Valor Device
Purple Heart with three Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Medal with one silver and three bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Army Commendation Medal
Army Presidential Unit Citation with two Oak Leaf Clusters
Army Good Conduct Medal (6 or 11 awards)
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead device and 1 silver and 3 bronze campaign stars (to signify 8 campaigns and 4 combat jumps)
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Korean Service Medal with Arrowhead device and three campaign stars
Vietnam Service Medal with one silver and three bronze campaign stars
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
French Croix de Guerre (for World War II service) (attachments unknown, but at least 1 bronze star)
Belgian Croix de Guerre (for World War II service) (attachments unknown, but at least 1 bronze lion)
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm
United Nations Service Medal for Korea
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Order of Saint Maurice
Garry Owen Distinctive unit insignia
10 Service Stripes, indicating 30 - 32 years of service.

However he certainly earned the rest. Hal Moore was asked fairly recently if Sergeant Plumley had mellowed with age, Lt. Gen. Moore stated "Do not be fooled, he is the lion in winter". A remarkable man.

Rest In Peace.

Also respectfully known as "the 5-jump bastard "

Says that the man saw combat as an infantryman in three wars.

There can't have EVER been very many men who wore this badge.

I know of two in my family. My Dad and his first cousing and close friend. Both in the Big Red One in WWII. Dad got a commission after that and went to Korea. His cousin stayed in after WWII and went. Both went to Vietnam. My Dad got out after Tet. His cousin died there.

That is a family history and bloodline to be proud of.