Billy Robert Wright

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 36952 (November 21, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Billy R. Wright (MCSN: 520763), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as leader of a rifle squad in a platoon of Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 2 April 1945.
Although greatly outnumbered by the fanatic Japanese when his platoon was pinned down by a heavy hostile barrage from a nearby hill, Corporal Wright voluntarily led his squad in an enveloping movement and courageously exposing himself to the enemy's fierce bombardment as he relentlessly delivered continuous rifle fire, succeeded in destroying the Japanese before he himself was struck down.
By his gallant initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and devotion to duty, Corporal Wright enabled his platoon to complete its mission and his valiant conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.