Charlie Plumb

Captain J. Charles Plumb graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis and went on to fly the F-4 Phantom jet on 74 successful combat missions over North Vietnam. On his 75th mission, with only five days before he was due to return home, Plumb was shot down, captured, and imprisoned in a small communist cell. He spent the next 2,103 days as a Prisoner Of War in harsh conditions.

During his nearly six years of captivity, Plumb distinguished himself among his fellow prisoners by developing expertise in underground communications and serving for two years as the Chaplain in his camp. His resilience and leadership during this period were integral to his survival and later formed the foundation of his speaking career.

Since his return home, Plumb has spoken to over 4,500 audiences worldwide. He draws impactful parallels between his P.O.W. experiences and everyday life challenges, focusing on themes such as overcoming adversity, the power of choice, and the importance of teamwork and change. His presentations, known for their sincerity, straightforwardness, and humor, have been well-received across various industries. Plumb has further shared his message through appearances on prominent TV programs like "Good Morning America," "Nightline," "Larry King Live," and "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer."

A decorated veteran, Plumb's military honors include two Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit, two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star, and the P.O.W. Medal. He is also the author of "I'm No Hero: A POW Story as Told to Glen DeWerff," in which he shares more detailed accounts of his experiences and survival strategies. This book, along with his speaking engagements, continues to inspire and educate on leadership, perseverance, and the capacity to handle life's adversities and opportunities.