Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Gene Thomas Wright (AFSN: 0-3048803), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, in action over Southeast Asia on 26 December 1967. On that date, Major Wright flew an unarmed and unescorted reconnaissance mission deep into hostile territory photographing a hostile installation and its defensive gun emplacements. Major Wright made two passes over his target to draw hostile reaction and enable the combat support aircraft to locate the hostile gun positions. By his actions his target was photographed and two hostile gun emplacements were destroyed. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Wright has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    March 16, 1968
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2191 (1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Gene Thomas Wright (AFSN: 0-3048803), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 16 March 1968. On that date, Major Wright flew an unarmed and unescorted reconnaissance mission into North Vietnam to locate new hostile positions along a main transportation route. Hampered by extremely poor weather, Major Wright penetrated extremely accurate and intense ground fire, completely disregarding his own safety, in order to obtain coverage of his assigned target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Wright reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.