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 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 five naval railway batteries in France. Under his direction those mobile units of 14-inch 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.