PRINCE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The long-awaited day of tribute has arrived for the family of United States Army Private Second Class Harold Richard Plumley, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War.
The Plumley family, along with a host of dignitaries and representatives, convened in Prince on Thursday to commemorate their brother’s legacy at the newly renamed U.S. Army PV2 Harold Richard Plumley Memorial Bridge.
The ceremony, which took place at the Stretcher’s Neck Bridge on Route 41 at Prince, held a special significance for the Plumley family. It marked the fulfillment of their efforts to honor their beloved brother and their determination to recognize his contribution to the nation.
Mark Totten, President of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Historical Society says that Pvt. Plumley’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“Wedged chronologically between the epoch of World War II and the controversy of the Vietnam War, the Korean War is often called the “Forgotten War,” Totten said.
“But for seventy years since this young man from Prince, West Virginia was killed, the Plumley family did not forget, today, the state of West Virginia does not forget.”
The bridge renaming was made official by the West Virginia Legislature during its 2023 session, under Senate Concurrent Resolution 8, sponsored by Senator Jack Woodrum (R-Summers).
The memorial bridge, previously known as the “Stretcher Neck Bridge” due to its proximity to a railway tunnel of the same name, was named after Pvt. Harold Plumley to ensure his bravery and sacrifice would never be forgotten.
Attending the event was Senator Jack Woodrum, who had played a pivotal role in the resolution and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to commemorate Pvt. Plumley’s service.
“The bridge honors not only his service but also the other men and women from West Virginia and across the nation who have served and given their lives for our country,” Woodrum stated. “It is a fitting tribute to Private Plumley and all those who have served our country with valor and distinction, it reminds us of their courage, dedication, and sacrifice.”
“Today, we honor their memory and renew our sacred obligation to all those who served this nation in uniform.”
Pvt. Harold Plumley, a native of Prince, West Virginia, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952 and went on to serve his country during the Korean War. Tragically, he lost his life in the Battle of Outpost Harry on June 11, 1953, during the waning days of the Korean conflict.
The Battle of Outpost Harry was a crucial moment in the Korean War, where American and Greek forces stood firm against overwhelming odds.
Marvin Plumley, Pvt. Plumley’s younger brother recalled the day in which the family received the tragic news.
“I was only six years old, and I remember well, my mom and dad never got over it,” Plumley explained. “Growing up, I remember mom with dates forever etched in her mind say Harold left for the Army on this day and August the 8th, this is the day Harold’s body was returned to Prince at 7:35 a.m. on train number three, it was on a Saturday.”
“On August the 9th, this was the day of Harold’s funeral.”
In August 2023, Pvt. Plumley received the Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Republic of Korea. This honor recognizes the sacrifices of American soldiers who fought on the Korean Peninsula during the 1950-1953 war.
Pvt. Harold Plumley’s military awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Marksmanship Badge, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Citation, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and Army Good Conduct Medal.
As the sun set on the U.S. Army PV2 Harold Richard Plumley Memorial Bridge, Pvt. Plumley’s legacy was further cemented in history, ensuring that generations to come will remember his service and the sacrifice he made for his country. The bridge now stands as a permanent tribute to a true American hero.