Honored with a bronze star, Cpl. James Wright sets his sights on healing

Marine Corps Times ^ | June 04, 2004 | Laura Bailey

[Ed Straker]

[Gannett, permits headline and link only.]

[tet68]

"I'd trade that medal for a chance to go back there."


Overcome.

Semper Fi MARINE!

Tet68

[Cannoneer No. 4]

ping

[Cannoneer No. 4]

ping

[commish]

I remember thinking, 'damn, both of them?'."

This has to be the understatement of the year. This kid has a bright future ahead of him, he may no longer have his own hands, but his attitude and commitment will carry him far and lead to much success later in life. Good job Marine! SEMPER FI!

[TBarnett34]

This man epitomizes all that's good in the American citizen, soldier, and hero.

Semper Fi.

[Americanwolf]

God Bless these tenacious devil dogs! The line that he was the epitome of composure! Holy smokes. to remain calm know that you are torn apart and bleeding to death and be able to keep those around you calm is unbelivalbe. I would like to meet this man. Talk about the true heroes of today.

[Ed Straker]

Sorry, didn't realise rules concerning Gannett .

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

If a story appears in a mainstream news outlet, you can be almost certain it first appeared in a military news outlet. I do a Google Search, find a press outlet that understands the importance of an informed populace.

 

Those planning, running and risking their lives to defend the free world are glad that we share the news with others.

Corporal Receives Bronze Star Medal from Wolfowitz
Submitted by: Headquarters Marine Corps
Story Identification #: 20046265012
Story by Cpl. Brian Buckwalter



ARLINGTON, Va. (June 01, 2004 ) -- The bronze image of World War II heroes raising the American flag at Iwo Jima provided the backdrop for a ceremony here today honoring a modern-day hero.

Cpl. James Wright received the Bronze Star with valor device from Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz in front of the United States Marine Corps War Memorial for his actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Gen. William L. Nyland, assistant Marine Corps commandant, and Marine Barracks Washington Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia assisted Wolfowitz with the presentation.

Also in attendance were seven Iraqis who, under Saddam Hussein's regime, had their hands amputated for dealing in foreign currency. They were fitted with prosthetic hands and are in the United States for medical treatment.

One of the men, with the aid of a translator, spoke on behalf of the group.

"We will never forget those who have sacrificed their limbs and those who have died and given us their blood," said Basim al-Fadhly. "And we will always remain grateful for all you have given to us."

Wright's patrol was in the Anbar province of Iraq when it came under attack. According to the award citation, "he immediately engaged the enemy with his squad automatic weapon, continuing to fire until his vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade."

Wright lost both of his hands and sustained severe damage to his leg because of the RPG, but remained calm and continued to give orders to his Marines to call for support and on how to render first aid. According to the citation, "He also pointed out enemy machine gun emplacements ... assisting in the demise of 26 enemies killed in action."

It was all a part of his job, said Wright, who served as the assistant team leader with Company B, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.

Wolfowitz compared Wright to those who served 60 years ago, honored over the Memorial Day weekend with the dedication of the National World War II Memorial.

"This past weekend, the country once again paid fitting tribute to that 'Greatest Generation' that saved this country and the world from the menace of Nazism in World War II. Corporal Wright and his comrades are every bit as great as that 'Greatest Generation,'" Wolfowitz said.

"I never expected anything of this magnitude," said Wright. "I'm flattered that the Marine Corps would go this far to present me with this award, but I really didn't expect it."

-30-

Photos included with story:

	Cpl. James Wright received the Bronze Star with valor device from Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz in front of the United States Marine Corps War Memorial for his actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photo by: Cpl. Richard Stephens

Marine Link

[Aeronaut]

I read what this fine young man did for his Bronze Star, and thank God for men like him. Then I read about someone else's Silver Star and I really get angry.

[VOA]

bump

[stumpy]

I bought that young man a lotta beers at the Lancaster Post 311 American Legion 5 days before he went back to Iraq. He and his best friend (a Marine Reserve from Oklahoma ) were there waiting for his girlfriend to get off work at Edwards

He impressed me that night as a hell of a Marine. I'm more impressed now. His friend had travelled from Oklahoma to see him before he went back for his second tour. On his first tour, he'd been a scout in an L.A.V. platoon that went into Bagdad.

[stumpy]

I just called him (he wasn't on his ward) to invite him to tie one on again when he recovers. No doubt in my mind that he will recover, adapt and overcome. And since his lady works in this area, I have no doubt he will be back here again. Semper Fi all Marines.

[Americanwolf]

If you do get to tie one on with him again. hoist one for me and let him know that theres always a bottomless glass of beer (or root beer, depending on his taste) here in Arizona for him.

[facedown]

BTTT

[RightWingMama]

I know he says he was just "doing his job", but please remind him he a hero to us. Buy him a beer from all of us at FR.

[stumpy]

Absolutely. He wasn't drinking root beer the last time. Ha. Don't expect to see him drinking root beer the next time either. One of the things that impressed me was that his best friend Took a week off from his studies at the University to spend with him because he was returning to "harms way".

When your friends think that much of you to travel across the country to see you off speaks well of you and the quality of your friends.

[tet68]

If you ever see him again, tell him this old Marine said he was "Outstanding!" tell him he did the MARINES
PROUD. If there is ANYTHING we can do for him let us know!

Semper Fi.
tet68

[Ed Straker]

Yes, the story about his Bronze Star was posted here a couple of days ago, but I posted this one as well because it adds a little more information.

Semper Fi

[NonValueAdded]

Stumpy ... what is his home town and state? Lancaster, Pennsylvania?