Posted on 10/20/2005 4:40:07 PM PDT by SandRat
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2005) -- When Sgt. James Wright's unit came under intense fire April 7, 2004, the last thing on his mind was bouncing over waves during a nautical adventure.
Twenty-six enemy dead, one bronze star and a year later, a speedboat is exactly what that battle got him.
To show gratitude to the Marine for his tremendous sacrifices, Ultra Boats, producers of custom-made boats, presented Wright with the boat of all boats Sept. 15 at the Del Mar Boat Basin here.
During the fight, a round from a rocket-propelled grenade struck his humvee and changed the Marine’s life forever.
The blast severed both of Wright’s hands and severely wounded his left leg. Incredibly, Wright maintained his composure, instructing his Marines to use a radio to call for help and to apply tourniquets to his wounds. Wright also directed his Marines to concentrate fire on enemy machine gun positions, assisting in the demise of 26 enemy fighters. For his actions, Wright was later presented the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device for valor.
According to Leah West, who owns Ultra Boats with her husband, John, the 28-foot-long boat is equipped with a voice-automated computer system to accommodate Wright’s physical limitations. The boat is also equipped with a TV box, Internet capabilities, media player and a Marine Global Positioning System.
“I do not think I deserve all this,” Wright said. “I knew I was going to get a boat, but I had no clue they were going to go all out and make one like this.”
Currently stationed at the Martial Arts Center of Excellence at Marine Corps Base Quantico, the Seattle, Wash. Marine came here to recieve the boat from several representatives of the Ultra Boats company.
“We felt the Marine should be honored for what he did out there,” said Cabe Sipes, an audio technician with Ultra Boats. Sipes was responsible for the installation of the sound system in Wright’s boat. “We wanted to thank him for all he has done for this country.”
Ultra Boats is scheduled to ship the boat to Wright’s home in Virginia within the week so he can get it in the water before the cold winds of winter set in on the East Coast.
“I was just fortunate enough to work through my injuries with a positive attitude,” said Wright after he was given a grand tour of the boat and its capabilities. “I’m just glad I am still here to be able to enjoy a boat ride.”
These guys like Sgt. Wright put a lot of things into perspective, don't they.
Every time I read about these heroes' exploits I am deeply humbled and damn proud to live in the United States of America.
Wow. To think that God allows us to walk the earth with men such as Sgt. Wright.
Semper Fi, Mac!
Amen to that.
The USofA trains 'em good, don't we?
WOW. Just like a Marine -- Just Doing His Job -- It's all in the Training -- People like Saddam don't deserve to live on the same planet with someone like Sgt. James Wright.
People like me are glad Sgt. Wright made it -- he does indeed deserve that boat!!
God bless him.
/john
Thanks for the tissues, needed that.
Yep!
Once again. God bless him.
/john
That is more than a 2 boxer SandRat. It deserves at least 4.
Makes a real contrast to the guy from NOLA on Fox that said just give us what the f*** we deserve!
"...Currently stationed at the Martial Arts Center of Excellence at Marine Corps Base Quantico..."
I bet that was the most important thing he strived for after his horrible injuries. To be able to continue to serve in his beloved Corps. The boat is nice, but imagine being retained to do some usefull function. He may have to salute with a white bandaged right arm, but surely there is still a real man in that uniform.
The few, the brave, sniff, sniff
GOD BLESS THEM ALL!
BTTT
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