In the movie We Were Soldiers, Sgt Major Basil L. Plumley was portrayed by Sam Elliot. Sgt Major Plumley made jumps in Italy during WWII, invaded the beaches in France, served in the Korean War, and fought in the first battle of Vietnam in the Ia Drange Valley LZ X-RAY. He ultimately received a medal for making 5 jumps into combat, and a Bronze Star for valor. Sgt Major Plumley was also promoted to Command Sergeant Major, the highest rank an enlisted man can be.