Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Elam
Windom
Wright
October 20, 1920

–

December 30, 2002

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Colonel Wright was a hero in World War II and in Vietnam where he was four times wounded in front-line combat at the infantry rifle platoon, and at the company level for which duty he volunteered at the age of 16. During World War II he earned the Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross in two consecutive days of combat action. He retired as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    30th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 16, 1944
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 249 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Elam Windom Wright (ASN: 0-1032129), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Kaysersberg, France, on 16 December 1944. Lieutenant Wright risked his life to rescue a wounded comrade. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    30th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 17, 1944
    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 587 (October 8, 1945)

    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 (Infantry) Elam Windom Wright (ASN: 0-1032129), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Kaysersberg, France, on 17 December 1944. First Lieutenant Wright led a fifteen-man platoon in an assault on a hill ringed by concrete machine gun emplacements and covered by 88-mm. fire. Advancing ahead of his men he knocked out a machine gun at thirty yards with rifle grenades and captured eight Germans. He then forced the surrender of four Germans manning a second machine gun and charged toward the crest of the hill to envelop a double machine gun, driving off its crew with machine pistol fire. First Lieutenant Wright’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.