Navy Federal Credit Union

(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.

Awards Received

  • 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.