Charlie Plumb

Captain J. Charles Plumb shares his story of winning through adversity with audiences around the world. He graduated from the Naval Academy of 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 to return home, Captain Plumb was shot down, captured, tortured, and imprisoned in an 8 foot x 8 foot cell. He spent the next 2,103 days as a Prisoner of War in communist prison camps.

During his nearly six years of captivity, Charlie Plumb distinguished himself among his fellow prisoners as a professional in underground communications, and served for two of those years as the chaplain in his camp.

Since his return home, more than 4,500 audiences in nearly every industry have been spellbound as Captain Plumb draws parallels between his POW experience and the challenges of everyday life. He has shared his message to an even wider public through appearances on Good Morning America, Nightline, Larry King Live, and The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.

One of the most sought-after achievement speakers of his time, Captain Charles Plumb's presentations are as he is – sincere, straightforward, and humorous. They are tailored to motivate each specific audience he encounters. His insights on how to cope with the difficulties—as well as the opportunities—in life have a positive impact on those who hear his message, read his books, and come to know him as a friend.

Captain Plumb's military honors include two Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit, two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star, and the POW Medal.