Jeff W. Wright

1st Lieutenant, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 49 (November 1, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Jeff W. Wright (ASN: 0-411089), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France, on 13 September 1944.
Lieutenant Wright, a platoon leader, led his troops aggressively forward in an attack on heavily defended enemy positions near ****. His platoon was subjected to mortar and artillery fire, but by accurately directing the fire and movement of his men, Lieutenant Wright maintained steady progress until his advance was finally halted half way up a large hill by automatic weapons and machine gun fire. After first deploying his platoon in a holding position, Lieutenant Wright went forward alone, fired all of his rifle ammunition into the enemy position, then threw two hand grenades which scattered the enemy machine gun crew. He seized the enemy machine gun and turned it on the enemy troops. When he ran out of ammunition, he seized two enemy pistols and drove the remaining enemy troops from this strong point. He was seriously wounded as he completed this daring assault.
Lieutenant Wright's gallantry, dynamic leadership and personal bravery are in keeping with the highest military traditions of the United States.