World War II Honoree

James Everett Wright

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Great Falls, South Carolina

Honored By

Clara Wright Respass

Relationship

Daughter

MACHINIST'S MATE 3RD CLASS. SERVED ABOARD THE USS COWANESQUE AO-79. WHILE ATTACHED TO THE 8TH FLEET DURING THE INVASION OF SOUTHERN FRANCE FROM AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER 1944. AFTER FRANCE, THE USS COWANESQUE SAILED TO THE PACIFIC THEATER THAT INCLUDED WAR ACTIVITY IN OKINAWA. IN JANUARY 1945 THE SHIP CAME UNDER CONSTANT AIR ATTACKS FROM ENEMY PLANES DURING OPERATIONS FOR THE PREPARATION FOR THE INVASION OF LUZON, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. HE EARNED THE AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 1 BRONZE SERVICE STAR, ASIATIC-PACIFIC MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE SERVICE STARS, COMBAT ACTION RIBBON, WWII SERVICE LAPEL BUTTON AND THE PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL WITH 1 BRONZE SERVICE STAR.