Harold W Wright
The Montpelier Examiner, October 1944
PILOT REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION
First Lieutenant Harold W Wright, first pilot on a B-24 Liberator, is missing in action since October 3 while on a raid over Borneo, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence L Wright of Bennington were informed Tuesday by the War Department. Lieutenant Wright, veteran of many missions over enemy territory including Truk, took part in the history making first land base, daylight raid against Yap Island on June 22, for which his unit received a Presidential citation. This mission, according to a report from headquarters of the 13th AAF was designed in part to cover the flank of the landings of Saipan Island in the Marianas.
Before being accepted as an aviation cadet in June 1942, Lieutenant Wright taught school one year at Lanark. A graduate of the Montpelier high school; he attended Weber College for two years, 1938-1940, and Ricks college 1940-41. He received his commission October 1, 1943 and after additional training left for the Southwest Pacific Theater of war in April 1944. His parents were informed of his promotion to first lieutenant early last month.
He was on rest leave in Australia from
September 12 to October 1.
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The Montpelier Examiner 26 Apr 1945
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS WON BY MISSING PILOT
An Air Medal decoration with one Oak Leaf Cluster, awarded First Lieutenant Harold W Wright of the Air Forces will be presented with appropriate ceremonies to Mr. and Mrs. Clarence L Wright of Bennington, parents of the missing pilot, Friday at the Ogden Air Technical Service Command, Hill Field. Mrs. Wray Glenn, the former Lois Wright, Mr. Glenn, Mrs. Wylie Campbell, the former Clarine Wright and Maxine Wright, immediate members of the family will also be there when the award is presented at the retreat ceremony by Colonel Paul W Wolf, commanding officer.
The citation accompanying the award reads: "For meritorious achievement while participating in sustained operation flight missions in the Southwest Pacific area, from May 20 to June 12, 1944, during which hostile contact was probable and expected. These operations consisted of bombing missions against enemy airdromes and installations and attacks on enemy naval vessels and shipping. The courage and devotion to duty displayed during these flights are worthy of commendation."
First Lieutenant Wright, 23, first pilot on a B-24 Liberator, has been missing in action since October 3, while on a raid over Borneo. He made many missions over enemy territory, including Truk and took part in the history making first land based daylight raid against Yap Island on June 22, for which his unit received a Presidential citation.
He became an aviation cadet in June 1942, and received his wings and commission October 1, 1943. After additional training he left for the Southwest Pacific area April 1944.