Podcast Discussion: The Backstory Behind the Award of a Medal of Honor, titled "The Spear"
In the upcoming episodes of The Spear podcast, listeners will have the opportunity to delve into the inspiring and educational journey of Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee. The first of these episodes is set to air soon, and subscribing to the podcast ensures that you won't miss out on this captivating narrative.
The podcast will cover various aspects of Master Sgt. Plumlee's life, starting with his early days in the military. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Plumlee joined the National Guard while still in high school, setting the stage for a remarkable military career. His path led him to the Marines before 9/11, where he was later deployed to Okinawa.
The conversation will then shift to Plumlee's service with the 4th Force Reconnaissance Company in Iraq, where he was deployed twice, in 2005 and 2008. It was during his service in Iraq that Plumlee's story took a dramatic turn. His first experience with combat was a shock to him, but he soon proved his mettle in the face of adversity.
The centrepiece of the podcast will be the events that led to Master Sgt. Plumlee's actions in Ghazni, Afghanistan, in 2013. Armed only with a pistol, Plumlee single-handedly engaged and killed eight Taliban insurgents wearing suicide vests during a complex assault, neutralising the threat and saving many American lives. His bravery and warrior instinct stopped a suicide attack despite overwhelming odds, earning him the nation's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor.
The podcast will also delve into Plumlee's transition from the Marine Corps into the Army's Special Forces pipeline, a significant milestone in his career. After retiring as a Master Sergeant, he continued to contribute to the defense community by working as a Business Development Manager at Saab, Inc., focusing on military training and munitions systems, supporting soldiers with advanced weaponry and solutions.
Plumlee's military decorations also include the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, and Purple Heart, underscoring a highly distinguished career. In addition to his battlefield valor, Plumlee is known for his ongoing commitment to national security, as evidenced by his involvement in mentoring programs for young leaders alongside fellow Medal of Honor recipients.
The podcast episode features an image credit by Lance Cpl. Colton Garrett. To help new listeners find the podcast, leaving a rating and review is encouraged. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from a true American hero. Subscribe to The Spear today and join us for this inspiring journey. The conversation can be found on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, or wherever you get your podcasts.
During the podcast, listeners will learn about Master Sgt. Plumlee's time with the 4th Force Reconnaissance Company in Iraq, which included his participation in sports activities to maintain physical readiness during downtime. In the later part of his career, Plumlee transitioned from the Marine Corps into the Army's Special Forces pipeline, where he continued to demonstrate similar agility and strategic thinking, likening his approach to that of a sports team strategizing for a match.