John M. Wright Jr.

Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 1 Line: 41

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

While returning to Camp Eagle from Camp Evans, Republic of Vietnam Major General Wright observed the downed helicopter of the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion ; Airmobile), 506th Infantry, which had crashed in an enemy-infested area after sustaining extensive damage from an enemy mine. Another helicopter in the area had tried ^successfully to land and pick up the crew. Major General Wright piloted his helicopter aver the downed aircraft and dropped an emergency radio to the crew below Because of the high trees in the immediate vicinity of the crash site, landing was impossible. Major General Wright directed the two men on the ground to another location. He then skillfully lowered his aircraft to within five feet of the ground. The main rotor blades were striking the trees, but he continued to hovering over the men until they were pulled into the aircraft. The men were then quickly flown to the 326th Medical Battalion (Airmobile) for treatment. Major General Wright's decisive and courageous actions in an unsecured area resulted in the rescuing of the downed crewmen approximately two minutes after the crash. Major General Wright's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his