10/18/12
Not many people have heard of the name Basil L. Plumley. Therefore, you might be surprised to learn that Plumley is a World War II, Korea, and Vietnam war veteran. Plumley has earned over 30 awards for his service, one amongst them--the triple C.I.B--is a rare medal for someone to own. It is awarded to people who have served in 3 major conflicts and only 325 soldiers have ever received the triple C.I.B in all of United States History. Plumley was one of the many Ally soldiers to have fought in the Invasion of Normandy, or better known today as D-Day. Unfortunately, however, Plumley, at the age of 92, passed away 8 days ago, on October 10th in a hospital in Columbus, GA. Plumley's death is a significant loss; he was vice president of the National Infantry Museum, located not too far from his deathbed. He was one of only 325 soldiers who had fought in 3 national conflicts, and fewer who are still alive. This can be related to an event in 1956, when Albert Woolson, the last surviving Civil War veteran died. Both of these events signal a change from memory to history. When the last veteran of World War II passes away, all of his memories and firsthand experiences will be lost. It is a melancholy thing to think about. When will the last person to remember 911 die? Steve Jobs? Iraq? Michael Jackson? It can only be hoped that those memories will last society as long as possible.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/us/basil-l-plumley-decorated-army-veteran-dies-at-92.html
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