Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Regiment:

    98th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1943

    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 25, 1943)

    (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 Staff Sergeant Donald Gene Wright (ASN: 16099631), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Aerial Gunner of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations during the low-level bombing mission against the Oil Refineries at Ploesti, Romania, on 1 August 1943. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, he flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Wright, 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 Air Forces.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1943

    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 16687

    Sergeant Donald G. Wright (ASN: 16099618), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces on or about August 1, 1943 and was held as a prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.