CHARLESTON, West Virginia — The narrative of a former Navy aviator turned motivational speaker is one that warrants attention from all who are open to hearing it.
The most compelling way to experience Captain Charlie Plumb’s personal journey is through his own words.
Recently, Capt. Plumb delivered a keynote address at the West Virginia Construction & Design Expo in Charleston. Following this event, he shared his account of the physical captivity he endured during his service in Vietnam on MetroNews “Talkline.”
Upon completion of his studies at the Naval Academy, Plumb was stationed at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego. It was here that he piloted the inaugural adversarial flights for the newly established Navy Fighter Weapons School, now famously known as “TOP GUN.” Subsequently, Plumb’s squadron, the Aardvarks, embarked on the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier with Fighter Squadron 114 to operate the F-4 Phantom Jet.
Under the code name “Plumber,” Charlie Plumb executed 74 successful combat missions over North Vietnam. The 75th mission, however, proved to be the most remarkable.
In May of 1967, merely five days before concluding his tour, Plumb’s aircraft was shot down over Hanoi. This marked the commencement of his 2,103-day internment in the North Vietnamese Prisoner of War camps.
Initially confined to an 8×8 prison cell devoid of reading materials, writing implements, or windows, Plumb found himself grappling with the mental challenges of captivity.
“It was a psychological battle, one that I initially underestimated,” reflected Plumb during his conversation with MetroNews.
Over time, the physical constraints of the 8×8 cell became secondary to the mental anguish he endured.
“The true confinement was within my own mind,” acknowledged Plumb.
Transforming his mindset became pivotal to reclaiming a sense of “freedom.” By adopting an introspective approach, Plumb navigated his captivity by engaging in mental exploration and envisioning possibilities beyond his physical confines.
Hailing from Kansas and raised on a farm, Plumb’s solitude was intermittently interrupted by the presence of fellow inmates. Establishing communication with these individuals not only liberated his thoughts but also alleviated the sense of isolation.
“Interacting with fellow prisoners was crucial,” emphasized Plumb.
While not sharing a cell with one particular individual, Plumb developed a profound connection with a fellow prisoner located two cells away. Through a rudimentary “tap code” facilitated by a wire passed between their cells, they found solace in the validation of human connection rather than the exchange of information.
Following his rescue in 1973, nearly six years into captivity, Plumb embarked on a journey of sharing his POW encounters with audiences nationwide, drawing parallels between the adversities faced then and those encountered in contemporary life.
“The emotions of solitude, inadequacy, and the challenge of communication with loved ones mirror the struggles we confront in our daily lives,” remarked Plumb.
Another fundamental lesson that resonated with Plumb was the power of forgiveness, even towards adversaries. Recalling a poignant visit to Vietnam seven years prior, where he reconciled with the former Camp Commander—a figure central to his wartime suffering—Plumb underscored the transformative impact of forgiveness on his outlook.
“I pardoned him, his tormentors, and everyone else, striving to embody this ethos in my present life,” shared Plumb.
Among Capt. Plumb’s accolades are the Silver Star Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, Air Medals, Presidential Unit Citation, P.O.W. Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960’s Device, and Combat Action Ribbon.
After 31 years of dedicated service in the United States Navy, Plumb attained the rank of Captain.
Currently, Charlie Plumb and his wife Cathy call California their home.