The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Ivan M. Wright (ASN: 0-682376), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Bombardier of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber of the 89th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group (Light), FIFTH Air Force, in action over Lae, New Guinea, on 25 May 1942. The plane of which this soldier was bombardier was one of a formation that was attacked by a large number of Zeros while raiding enemy installations at Lae. During the encounter, one of the engines was disabled, necessitating its leaving the formation. This plane was immediately engaged by five Zero fighters which maintained a continuous attack until it was completely out of control. Sergeant Wright manned the gun in the forward part of the airplane. He did this with the utmost bravery and skill until it was too late for him to leave the plane. Through his extraordinary devotion to duty, Sergeant Wright lost his life. However, his fighting spirit will live and will always be an inspiration to those who knew him for the brave soldier that he was.