Whitney Wright

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Whitney Wright, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Heavy Patrol Plane of Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED FOUR (VPB-104), in combat against Japanese forces near Leyte in the South Pacific from 26 August 1943 to 3 November 1943. In the face of intense antiaircraft fire, Lieutenant Wright pressed home his attacks, destroying or seriously damaging one enemy gunboat, one loaded troop transport and one cargo vessel. On 8 September he was attacked by seven Japanese airplanes while maneuvering to complete the destruction of an enemy bomber. After a twenty- minute battle he eluded the fighters and returned to his base with his plane undamaged. Lieutenant Wright’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 336 (March 1945)