USS Plunkett

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 served in Adm. Dewey-s Squadron at Manila Bay, he had commanded both North Dakota and 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 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 3d Naval District. Retiring in 1928, Rear Admiral Plunkett died, in Washington, D.C., 24 March 1931.

Plunkett (DD-431) was laid down 1 March 1939 by the Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Kearny, N.J.; launched 7 March 1940; sponsored by Mrs. Charles P. Plunkett, widow of Rear Admiral Plunkett; and commissioned 17 July 1940, Lt. Comdr. P. G. Hale in command.

Prior to 7 December 1941, Plunkett operated in the Western Atlantic and in the Gulf-Caribbean area on Neutrality Patrol. Initially in the latter area, she joined other Neutrality Patrol vessels off Tampico to prevent the departure of several German steamers, then cruised off Martinique, French Antilles to prevent the dispatching of warships, equipment, and gold to the Vichy government. Patrol and convoy missions in the North Atlantic followed, and, on 7 December 1941, she was enroute from Reykjavik to Argentia.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Plunkett (DD-431)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.