9 June 1946 – 06 February 1968
Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland, CA 94611
Henry Arthur Wright (Hank) was born 9 Jun 1946 in Keokuk, IA to Roy E. Wright and Marjorie J. Wright now residing in Oakland CA. Henry attended the US Naval Academy, and upon graduation was commissioned 7 June 1967 a second Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps.
Hank’s USNA yearbook biography reads: After graduating from Oakland High School in “sunny California”, Henry found his way to the Naval Academy. His scholastic background enabled him to take full advantage of the electives program and to complete majors in German and Economics while at Navy. Never content with less than his best effort, Henry’s hard work paid off, and he found himself consistently on the superintendent’s List. Henry’s advice was much sought after by peer and subordinate alike. Henry will carry with him qualities that destine him to be a valuable asset to the Naval service, an inspiration and example to those with whom he comes in contact, and an unbounded personal success as well.
Arriving at his first post Academy assignment, Hank reported to the USMC Officers Basic School (TBS) Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 5th Platoon in Quantico, VA. Upon graduation, Hank was assigned as a Basic Infantry Officer and given orders to Vietnam. Arriving in Vietnam on 5 January 1968 2dLt Wright was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion 7th Marines 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF (D/1/7) as a Platoon Commander.
On February 6 at approximately 08:45 CAP B-4 located in the hamlet of La Chau became engaged with an enemy force and requested assistance. Company D, nearby on Hill 47 deployed a two squad reaction force supported by an M48A1 Tank to the scene of the fire fight. Approaching La Chau the tank struck a mine becoming disabled as the Marines began to receive heavy automatic weapons fire, B-40 rockets were fired at the tank setting it ablaze. Additional reinforcements and air support were requested by the Marines.
The action resulted in the deaths of eight Marines and one US Navy Corpsmen, including 2dLt Wright who died as a result of a gunshot wound. Twenty men were also wounded during the fire fights with the enemy forces. Second Lieutenant Wright earned the following decorations: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.
Second Lieutenant Wright is honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, VVM Wall, Panel 37e, Line 76.
USMC Resume:
USNA Class of 1967, 1963 – 1967.
The Basic School Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 5th Platoon, Jun-Nov 1967
Vietnam: Company D, 1st Bn 7th Marines 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF, 5 Jan – 6 Feb 1968
Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal.
Personal Reflections about Hank Wright:
