The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Earl R. Wright (ASN: RA-12338813), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 16 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date his company was advancing toward the Naktong River. During the attack Private Wright’s platoon was halted by intense enemy machine gun fire. His squad was directed to flank the enemy position in an attempt to neutralize the hostile machine gun. As the squad moved forward they were subjected to heavy hostile grenade fire which caused them to take cover. Private Wright, with complete indifference for his personal safety, left his covered position and dashed forward in a single-handed assault of the enemy emplacement. Disregarding the bursting grenades, he continued his undaunted charge and succeeded in killing the machine gun crew with rifle and grenade fire. His heroic action relieved his platoon of heavy enemy pressure and allowed it to continue the advance with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry displayed on this occasion by Private Wright reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.