The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Edwin M. Wright, Jr. (MCSN: 565597), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 12 and 13 August 1952. Repeatedly exposing himself to intense enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire, Technical Sergeant Wright stationed his platoon in position on the company perimeter of the forward outpost and, during the hours of darkness, returned to the main line of resistance through suspected enemy positions to guide a battalion reconnaissance unit to posts on the exposed flank of the company. Throughout the night, he repeatedly covered the entire platoon front, directing fire, covering gaps in his final protective line and encouraging his men. On the following morning, he led part of the platoon on an extremely dangerous attack against a strongly entrenched enemy and, although wounded by a hostile grenade, maneuvered his men into an enemy trench where they overpowered the enemy in hand-to-hand fighting. After the attack had been successfully completed, he remained behind to provide effective covering fire until all of his men had safely returned to friendly lines. By his outstanding courage, inspiring leadership and unyielding devotion to duty, Technical Sergeant Wright served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.