Marine Corporal Receives Bronze Star Medal from Wolfowitz (heavy, moving graphic)

defenselink.mil ^ | June 1, 2004 | Cpl. Brian Buckwalter

[risk]

Marine Corporal Receives Bronze Star Medal from Wolfowitz

By Cpl. Brian Buckwalter, USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service
[See original article for more pictures and government biographies.]

ARLINGTON, Va., June 1, 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.

Marine Cpl. James Wright, who received the Bronze Star Medal with valor device from Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, salutes during the national anthem at the June 1 presentation ceremony in front of the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va. Wright lost both hands and suffered severe damage to his leg when his vehicle was struck by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade in Iraq's Anbar province. Despite his wounds, Wright continued to lead the Marines in his charge. Photo by Cpl. Richard Stephens, USMC
(Click photo for screen-resolution image); high-resolution image available.

Marine 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.

Marine Gen. William L. Nyland, assistant Marine Corps commandant, and Marine Barracks 8th & I Sergeant Major, Marine 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."

(Marine Cpl. Bryan Buckwalter is assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall.)

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jun2004/n06012004_200406012.html

[devane617]

God Bless this young Marine. He has a tough life ahead, but the training he received and the service he has provided his country is a good start to a bright future.

[oh8eleven]

Incredible. Simply incredible.
Semper Fidelis...

[umbagi]

I'm typing this with both hands and all my fingers, sitting on my out-of-shape but fully intact butt, with both feet on the floor.

I see the picture of Cpl. Wright's proud salute with both my eyes, dimmed only by a sudden flood of grateful tears, listening to Fox News with two good ears.

And I'm wondering if I should respectfully and gratefully return my own Bronze Star, so they can pass it on to some more deserving young Marine, soldier, or sailor representing and protecting me so valiantly in the war on terrorism. Everything good I've done in my life, even summed up by She Who Loves Me Anyway, could never hold a candle to this young man's service!

May we, as a nation, be Always Faithful to our young heroes, and may God bless them as only the Almighty can, as He's blessed us by providing them! Thank You, Lord!

u

[Chieftain]

Here's Cpl Wright saluting President Reagan's casket today.

Semper Fidelis, Cpl. Wright!

[Lancey Howard]

Thanks for the ping.

BUMP!

[VOA]

bump

[PA Lurker]

Semper Fi to all my Marine brothers and sisters out there in cyberspace. This Corporal is truly a hero to all of us. He was briefly shown on Fox News saluting President Reagan's coffin without his hand. However, Fox News identified him as a soldier.

Well Marines, this pi$$e$ us off a little bit. However, one would think that these "Fair and Balanced" SOB's could get their services straight.

I guess Rick Levanthal was out of town and could not edit some intern's text.

PA Lurker (Never forget your DI's name, Maggot? You are going to take it to your grave.)

[Chieftain]

Fox News identified him as a soldier.

Yeah that does piss off a any Marine, because, as you know, "We are PROUD to claim the TITLE of United States Marine".

However, Cpl. Wright has no problem, as he is a HERO, regardless of the inept description given by a civilian.

At least FOX NEWS CHANNEL thought it fitting to feature it. I bet our friends(?) at CBS were busy scouring for more prisoner abuse photos!

[moonlite]

Incredible American & Soldier.

[Taxman]

God truly Blessed America when He made such men. And He Blessed the Marine Corps when they joined.

Semper Fi, Marine!

[Tennessee_Bob]

Thanks for posting that, Chieftan.

Semper Fi, Marine

[SLB]

Post #44 shows a genuine hero. The thanks of this nation go out to those in uniform fighting for our freedoms.

[highpockets]

As a Disabled Army Veteran I can tell you that treatment and quality of care that I have recieved at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers has been top-notch.

I have recieved treatment in WV,KS,MO,CA,and Alaska. They are not perfect but they do the best they can and many times better.

Thank you, all of the VAMC care givers.

BTW if it had not been for VA Vocational Rehab I would not have the great job I do.( SBC)

And thanks to the Americans who have given their taxes so I could have all that help. In the case of VA, many have gotten their lives together and become members of the working class, and paying into the system not just receiving.

[dalebert]

Well now we know why a bronze star is bestowed on someone. God bless this hero. I sure hope Kerry sees this.

[RaceBannon]

I went through the Connecticut VA system in 94 and it was a nightmare!

[mystery-ak]

Im in Awe......

[SLB]

Post #44 shows a genuine hero. The thanks of this nation go out to those in uniform fighting for our freedoms.

[Jeff Head]

I saw his pic on the news and my heart and gratitude went out to him...then I saw this thread and my respect and awe for this young American hero increased by another order of magnitude.

[JOE43270]

Thanks for this post and God Bless this Marine and all the rest of them too!

[Guillermo]

He's a war criminal, according to our friends at the Demonrat Party.