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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Chester Ellis Wright, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 93d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Bantheville, France, 23 October 1918. Lieutenant Wright, accompanied by one other machine, attacked and sent down in flames an enemy plane (Fokker type), that was attacking an allied plane. He was in turn attacked by three enemy planes. His companion was forced to withdraw on account of motor trouble. Lieutenant Wright continued the combat and succeeded in bringing down one of the enemy planes and forced the remaining two into their own territory.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    93d Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 10, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 15 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Chester Ellis Wright, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 93d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Beffu, France, 10 October 1918. Lieutenant Wright attacked an enemy observation balloon protected by four enemy planes and, despite numerical superiority, he forced the planes to withdraw and destroyed the enemy balloon.