Master Sergeant Earl Plumlee - Medal of Honor Repelling Suicide Bomber

Nov 29 , 2024

Master Sergeant Earl Plumlee - Medal of Honor Repelling Suicide Bombers with his Sidearm

Master Sergeant Earl D. Plumlee's military career exemplifies exceptional valor and unwavering dedication to duty. His actions during a critical engagement in Afghanistan in 2013 earned him the Medal of Honor, highlighting his extraordinary heroism.

Early Life and Military Service

Born on April 6, 1980, in Clinton, Oklahoma, Plumlee enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard in 1998 while still in high school. In 2000, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in various deployments, including Iraq, where he was recognized as the Marines Recon Team Leader of the Year. Seeking new challenges, Plumlee transitioned to the U.S. Army in 2009, joining the elite 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne).

Heroic Actions at Forward Operating Base Ghazni

On August 28, 2013, then-Staff Sergeant Plumlee was stationed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ghazni in Afghanistan. A massive explosion created a 60-foot breach in the base's perimeter wall, allowing ten insurgents wearing Afghan National Army uniforms and suicide vests to infiltrate the base. Recognizing the imminent threat, Plumlee and five fellow soldiers mounted two vehicles and raced toward the explosion site.

Upon arrival, Plumlee's vehicle came under heavy enemy fire. Demonstrating remarkable courage, he used his body to shield the driver, exited the vehicle, and engaged an insurgent just 15 meters away with his pistol. Without seeking cover and disregarding his own safety, Plumlee advanced on the enemy, engaging multiple insurgents with his sidearm. Reaching a position of cover, he neutralized two insurgents—one with a grenade and another by detonating the assailant's suicide vest with precise sniper fire.

Undeterred, Plumlee continued his lone advance, confronting several insurgents at close range. During this assault, a suicide vest detonated merely seven meters from his position, wounding him. Despite his injuries, Plumlee pressed on, eliminating additional threats. Spotting a wounded fellow soldier, he braved intense enemy fire to carry the comrade to safety and administered first aid. He then organized three coalition members into a defensive formation, methodically clearing the area and maintaining security to prevent further attacks.

Recognition and Medal of Honor

Plumlee's conspicuous gallantry and selflessness were initially recognized with the Silver Star. However, following a comprehensive review, his award was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. On December 16, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. presented the Medal of Honor to Master Sergeant Plumlee during a ceremony at the White House. The citation commended his "extraordinary heroism and selflessness beyond the call of duty," reflecting the highest traditions of military service.

MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION

Staff Sergeant Earl D. Plumlee distinguished himself by acts of gallantry above and beyond the call of duty on August 28th, 2013, while serving as a weapons sergeant, C company, 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) in support of Enduring Freedom. Sergeant Plumlee instantly responded to an enemy attack on Forward Operating Base Ghazni—Ghazni Province, Afghanistan —that began with an explosion that tore a 60-foot breach in the base’s perimeter wall. Ten insurgents wearing Afghan National Army uniforms and suicide vests poured through the breach. Sergeant Plumlee and five others mounted two vehicles and raced toward the explosion.

When his vehicle was engaged by enemy fire, Sergeant Plumlee reacted instinctively, using his body to shield the driver prior to exiting the vehicle and engaging an enemy insurgent 15 meters to the vehicle’s right with his pistol. Without cover and in complete disregard for his own safety, he advanced on the enemy, engaging multiple insurgents with only his pistol. Upon reaching cover, he killed two insurgents —one with a grenade and the other by detonating the insurgent’s suicide vest using precision sniper fire. Again, disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Plumlee advanced alone against the enemy, engaging several insurgents at close range, including one whose suicide vest exploded a mere seven meters from his position. Under intense enemy fire, Sergeant Plumlee temporarily withdrew to cover, where he joined up with another solider and, together, they mounted another counterattack.

Under fierce enemy fire, Sergeant Plumlee again moved from cover and attacked the enemy forces, advancing within seven meters of a previously wounded insurgent who detonated his suicide vest, blowing Sergeant Plumlee back against a nearby wall. Sergeant Plumlee, ignoring his injuries, quickly regained his faculties and reengaged the enemy forces. Intense enemy fire once again forced the two soldiers to temporarily withdraw. Undeterred, Sergeant Plumlee joined a small group of American and Polish soldiers, who moved from cover to once again counterattack the infiltrators. As the force advanced, Sergeant Plumlee engaged an insurgent to his front left. He then swung around and engaged another insurgent who charged the group from the rear.

The insurgent detonated his suicide vest, mortally wounding a U.S. soldier. Sergeant Plumlee, again, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran to the wounded soldier, carried him to safety, and rendered first aid. He then methodically cleared the area, remained in a security posture, and continued to scan for any remaining threats. Staff Sergeant Earl D. Plumlee’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Special Forces Regiment, and the United States Army.

Legacy

Master Sergeant Earl D. Plumlee's actions on that fateful day in 2013 exemplify the valor and dedication of U.S. Special Forces. His unwavering commitment to his comrades and mission, even in the face of grave danger, serves as an enduring inspiration to soldiers and civilians alike. His story underscores the profound sacrifices made by service members in defense of freedom and security.