Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-25
ADMIRAL PLUNKETT
DIES AT HOSPITAL
Commanded BattIeships on
Wheels Which SiIenCed Ger
man Big Berthas.

Rear Admiral Charles P. Plunkett, U.
S. N, retired, who commanded the
famous "battleships on wheels" used
by the A E. F. in silencing the "Big
Berthas" that shelled Paris, died here
last night at the Naval Hospital from
heart disease. He was 81 years old.
In command of the naval railway
battery, Admiral Plunkett shattered the
morale of the German army by putting
powerful battleshtp guns on wheels and
trundhng them up to Wreak havoc along
the front lines.
It was through Admiral Plunkett's
aggressiveness that the land dread
naughts consisting OF five complete mo-
bile units, supporting an equal number
of 14-inch rifles, were placed in strate-
gic positions along the allied front. They
proved effective against the Germans in
the final stages Of the conflict.
Called Americas Answer.
This battery of the largest range guns
possessed by the allies was called
Americas answer to the Big Berthas."
The battery destroyed numerous Ger
man ammunition dumps, railway tracks
and terminals, thus having strong
effect toward destroying the German
morale.
In the official NAVAL History Of the
World War" it is stated that 1.-The most
important work of the batteries was
their bombardment during October and
November of Longuyon, Montmedy and
CONTAINS and other centers along the
German main line of communication
west Of Metz and Sedan.
THE cutting of this line was the prin-
cipal objective Of the last great Ameri-
can drive of the war. In reporting the
final accomplishment Gen. Pershing
wrote: The strategical goal which was
our highest hope was gained. We had
cut the enemy's main line of commuri-
cation and nothing but surrender or an
armistice could save his army from
complete disaster"
Decorated by France.
Admiral Plunkett was awarded the
Distinguished Service Medal and was
cited for the achievements of the bat
terry in France. The government of the
latter country gave him the rank Of
commander Of the Legion Of Honor and
the Portuguese government awarded
him the Order of the Tower and sword.
Admiral Plunkett was born in the
National Capital February is, 1854, the
son OF Maj. w. H. Plunkett Of the
Army. fHe was appointed to the Naval
Academy from this city when 16 years
old by President Hayes.
Shortly before his retirement from
the Navy because of age on February
Is, 1928, when he became "a years old,
Admiral Plunkett became conspicuous
because of his declarations for pre-
paredneSS for war with all nations and
controversy with Red Cross officials
over solicitations Of men in the Brook
lyn Navy Yard for funds. Admiral
Plunkett rounded out 40 years Of service
in the Navy as commandant Of the Sd
Naval District, at New York.
Had Constant Rise.
Graduating from the Naval Academy
in 1884, Rear. Admiral Plunkett served
in many capacities as an oficer and his
responsibilities increased with his rank
In 1905, while q lieutenant commander,
he became executive oficer of the bat
tleship Texas. Transferred to the
battleship Georgia IN 1907 as executive
officer, he was promoted TO the rank of
commander and three years later was
Missouri. Elevated to the rank of cap
tain in 1912, he commanded the battle-
ship South Dakota, until he was sent
"a the Naval War College in 1915. III
After finishing his work at the col
lege he was made director Of target
practice and engineering competitions
Of the Navy and held that position u1-
III LIE OnAtCA GbHESS EAASEAE4 bAAG N0A@A
War. AS his work in developing long
range guns was outstanding, he was de-
tailed to command the Naval Railway
Battery in France, with the rank Of
rear admiral.
After the war, Admiral Plunkett COM
ilanded the destroyer force of the At
lantic feet, became member Of the
Naval Examining Board and later chief
of stan OF the Naval War College. In
1922 he was placed in command OF the
81 Naval District, one Of the most
important posts on the Atlantic Coast.
Other Important Posts.
Admiral Plunkett also had the dis
tinction of serving as president of the
Board of Inspection and Survey In 1921
and 1922 and In 1919 had charge Of all
operations in connection with the Navy
transatlantic flight.
Upon retiring from the Navy, Ad-
miral Plunkett accepted position with
the banking firm Of Josephtal e. Co.,
New York City.
Admiral Plunkett Is survived by his
widow, Mrs. Nellie Plunkett; two sons,
Charles Plunkett of Washington and
w. Clement Plunkett Of Boston, and Q
daughter, ms. whitney Barham Of
Tulsa, Okla.
Funeral services win be conducted in
Fort Myer Chapel tomorrow afternoon
ct o'clock. Internent will be in Ar
lington Cemetery. with full military
honors.