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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander William Leslie Wright (NSN: 0-59564), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. STURGEON (SS-187), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine in successful, offensive action against enemy Japanese surface vessels, 30 March and 3 April 1942. The U.S.S. STURGEON on 30 March, successfully attacked and destroyed a large enemy Japanese merchant vessel, then proceeded to other areas where on 3 April, other enemy forces were encountered. Lieutenant Commander Wright so skillfully maneuvered his ship that one enemy Japanese escort was destroyed and, with the STUREGON’s last torpedo, a large enemy merchant vessel, under escort, was so extensively damaged that she made off in a slowly sinking condition. The high order of leadership, and the daring and intelligent seamanship displayed by Lieutenant Commander Wright on these occasions are in keeping with the best traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral [then Captain]

    Action Date:

    November 1944 – September 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral [then Captain] William Leslie Wright (NSN: 0-59564), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE, from November 1944 to February 1945, and as Operations Officer on the Staff of Commander Submarines, SEVENTH Fleet, from February to September 1945. Utilizing his experience as a submarine commanding officer, Rear Admiral Wright capably administered the activities of his division and supervised the refitting and training of the many submarines assigned to his command. Subsequently, as Force Operations Officer, he skillfully directed the assigning of areas for submarines on war patrol and, by his keen understanding of the administrative problems and policies of this force, rendered additional service as Acting Chief of Staff. His devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sturgeon (SS-187)

    Action Date:

    January 22 & 31, 1942
    Commander Naval Forces Southwest Pacific: Desp. (February 27, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander William Leslie Wright (NSN: 0-59564), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. STURGEON (SS-187), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 28 December 1941 to 20 February 1942, in enemy controlled waters off the Coast of Borneo. On patrol about 22 January 1942, Lieutenant Commander Wright found himself in the proximity of a considerable force of enemy destroyers evidently escorting a capital vessel. He succeeded in placing his vessel in a favorable position for attack, penetrating the numerous screening vessels who were most active in their efforts to locate submarines. By skillful and resourceful tactics a successful approach was made on the enemy capital ship and a powerful attack by torpedoes was delivered which evidently caused the loss of that vessel. Lieutenant Commander Wright’s successful evasive tactics permitted him to withdraw without detection. Again, about 31 January 1942, while in the vicinity of enemy forces, he located, closed with and attacked in an aggressive manner a large enemy tanker under escort and caused her to sink. The prompt seizure of favorable opportunities presented on these occasions manifest a spirited leadership and intelligent, courageous performance of duty in the presence of the enemy. Lieutenant Commander Wright’s conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.