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

[A.A. Cunningham]

I think we can excuse the Corporal for saluting uncovered indoors just this once.

Thu Jun 10, 3:32 PM ET

Cpl. James E. Wright salutes the casket of former President Ronald Reagan (news - web sites) in the Capitol Rotunda Thursday, June 10, 2004 in Washington, DC. Wright lost both hands during the war in Iraq (news - web sites). (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

[Texican]

Risk:
I was one of them also, maybe not so brave, surly not as hansome, and it was so long ago that memories seem to fade. I got out of the "Corps" in 1946. I just turned 80 last Saturday, and already see the memory starting to fade some. Some people say that my generation was the "Greatest Generation", my question is how in the world can they say that and look at pictures like this young corp. standing there saluting without hands. I say that these young people today in all branches of the service are just as good as were those of my time. God Bless everyone of them.

The very best to you and yours.

Semper Fi
Tommie

[Ramius]

I simply have no words to express my anguish for this young Marine, nor my pride for what, and who, he is.

Yes, I think I can excuse the uncovered salute.

I continue to stand in awe of the greatness of these young men that we ask so much of. I had my time in uniform, but at a different time, and never had the priviledge of firing a shot in anger.

I will never know if I am made of the stuff that this Marine is made of. I could only have hoped to display the courage that he has.

[Walkingfeather]

YOU ARE ONE OF THEM. AND GOD BLESS YOU

[Fiddlstix]

[Texasforever]

Words fail me.

[Chieftain]

my question is how in the world can they say that and look at pictures like this young corp. standing there saluting without hands. I say that these young people today in all branches of the service are just as good as were those of my time.

Cpl Wright and these young Marines now serving and bearing the burden and paying as heavy price of FREEDOM are real HEROES. They had a great example set for them by all the Marines who came before them, like YOU, who set the example!

Thanks for your service to our country and Corps, Texican!

Semper Fidelis from another Marine to you, Sir!

[risk]

I got out of the "Corps" in 1946. I just turned 80 last Saturday, and already see the memory starting to fade some.

We're all very gratefull for what you did in the Marines during WWII. We're also very happy to have you on FR! Here's a quote about Iwo Jima that you might appreciate:

"The raising of that flag on Suribachi means a Marine Corps for the next 500 years!" (James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy, 23 February 1945)

That goes for what all the Marines have done over the past century.

Click for more Suribachi pics

[SAMWolf]

Thanks for the ping Risk.

Thank you for your service Texican.

[oh8eleven]

However, Fox News identified him as a soldier.
They're civilians - they know not what they do.
Semper Fi ...

[dd5339]

Ping! It was Cpl. Wright!

Semper Fi