The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William Francis Wright (MCSN: 2040174), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy on 23 and 24 August 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam. During Operation PRAIRIE, when another company from Corporal Wright’s Battalion was attacked and surrounded by a numerically superior North Vietnamese force in the Thon Son Lam area, he volunteered to accompany a composite reaction force helilifted to the aid of the besieged unit. He arrived in the area after dark and immediately set up his position, remaining there throughout that night and into the next morning, relaying timely and accurate information between the Battalion Command Post, the reaction force and the beleaguered company. At dawn, the North Vietnamese launched a fierce attack in an attempt to overrun the Marine units. Courageously, Corporal Wright calmly continued his reporting, despite the intense firefight which took the life of his Platoon Leader, severely wounded the Platoon Sergeant, and twice wounded the Platoon Guide. Throughout the vicious fourteen hour battle, he encouraged his comrades. With complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire to direct 106-mm. recoilless rifle and other supporting arms fire on the enemy located in fortified rock bunkers. He succeeded in silencing several enemy snipers which enabled the wounded to be evacuated safely. When reinforcements arrived to relieve Corporal Wright’s platoon, he selflessly remained at his position until the enemy had been forced to retreat and all members of the besieged unit had been evacuated. His outstanding devotion to duty and exceptional professional skill were instrumental to the success of the reaction force’s mission. By his bold initiative, daring action and inspiring devotion to duty, Corporal Wright upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.