Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Richard
Morgan
Wright
1918-03-14

–

2004-03-18

Home:

Hollywood

, 

California

Richard Wright graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1941. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    October 1966 – December 1968
    Board Serial 6862 (December 13, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Richard Morgan Wright (NSN: 0-100173), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from October 1966 through December 1968 as a member of the Strategic Plans and Policy Division, Plans and Policy Directorate, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During this period, Captain Wright contributed significantly to the development of strategic planning and policy at the highest level in regard to the security of the United States. In all areas of endeavor, he applied himself with thoroughness, continually demonstrating his outstanding ability to determine the basic issues and present them in a manner from which sound decisions could be made. Notably distinguishing himself in the specific areas of command and control and joint planning, Captain Wright, through his marked professional skill and organizational ability, was instrumental in materially improving the Joint Contingency Planning System, and thus the military readiness posture of the United States. Utilizing his ability to understand complex subjects and to solve difficult problems, he made vital contributions to the development of a management plan for the Worldwide Military Command and Control System. In addition, Captain Wright, working largely on his own initiative, became expert in the military application of the use of automatic data processing. He applied this knowledge to lead a successful effort to significantly increase the capability of the Plans and Policy Directorate to more profitably employ automatic data processing. By his dynamic leadership, professional competence, and inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Wright contributed materially to the execution of the mission of the Organization of Joint Chiefs of Staff and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cochino (SS-345)

    Action Date:

    August 25, 1949
    Board Serial 440 (April 21, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Commander Richard Morgan Wright (NSN: 0-100173), United States Navy, for heroic conduct as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. COCHINO (SS-345) when that vessel was fatally damaged by a series of battery explosions off the northwestern coast of Norway, 25 August 1949. When the COCHINO was shaken by explosions during submergence operations, and fire, smoke and gasses became so intense the battery compartment had to be abandoned, Lieutenant Commander Wright voluntarily attempted to enter the hydrogen-filled compartment in order to throw the main battery switch and prevent further damage to the vessel. Attempting to gain entrance, he was severely burned as a major explosion took place and, though in a state of shock, and suffering great pain, secured the watertight door and continued to concern himself with operations being conducted below decks. By his courage and leadership in the face of extreme personal danger, and his calm manner in time of emergency, Lieutenant Commander Wright contributed materially to lengthening the life of the COCHINO and inspired the men with whom he served, thereby reflecting the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Spadefish (SS-411)

    Action Date:

    May 27 – July 4, 1945
    Commander Submarine Forces Pacific: Serial 02281 (September 13, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Richard Morgan Wright (NSN: 0-100173), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. SPADEFISH (SS-411), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Sea of Japan, from 27 May to 4 July 1945. Assisting his Commanding Officer in conducting attacks by his thorough knowledge of attack problems, Lieutenant Commander Wright contributed materially to the sinking of enemy ships and small craft totaling approximately 26,000 tons and aided in the success of his ship in evading enemy countermeasures. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.