Pre-aviation service Plessis began his mandated military training as an enlisted soldier on 2 November 1911, and left that active duty on 8 November 1913. With the advent of World War I, he was recalled to active military service on 2 August 1914. On 18 January 1915, he was transferred into the first of two infantry units he would serve in before departing front line duty on 15 May 1915. He returned to the front lines on 15 August 1915, posting unspecified. On 30 May 1916, Plessis attained the rank of
Brigadier. On 15 August 1916, he reported for pilot training.
Aviation service Plessis was granted his Pilot's Brevet on 13 December 1916, and was passed on for advanced training. Once trained, he was posted to
Escadrille N.88 on 2 March 1917. Promotion to
Maréchal-des-logis followed on 25 June. On 17 August 1917, Plessis made two forays across the German lines, downing a German aircraft each time. On 27 September, he was awarded the
Médaille militaire for the day's actions: "Non-commissioned officer of great bravery and deliberate audacity. On 17 August 1917, by crossing the German lines to attack successively two groups of enemy planes, he downed his adversary each time. One citation." On 1 January 1918, Plessis was promoted to
Adjutant, and on the 26th temporarily commissioned as a
Sous lieutenant. Beginning on 30 May 1918, he would score four more aerial victories, and be awarded the ''
Legion d'honneur'', as follows: "Remarkable pilot. Elite officer. For more than two years in aviation he has become a superb example of bravery and absolute disdain for danger in any shape or form. Has flown 500 hours against the enemy and has had more than 100 combats, during the course of which he has downed one
balloon and five German planes. He particularly distinguished himself in the course of his last operations by strafing enemy emplacements from low altitude, and making long distant reconnaissances which allowed him to provide the commandant with valuable information. One wound. Médaille Militaire for feats of war. Four citations." ==Postwar career==