WHEREAS, First Lieutenant (1LT) James Earl Wright was born on October 16, 1918 in Parkton, North Carolina to parents Mami Chason Wright and Robert A. Wright; where he attended Parkton High School before enlisting in the United States Army at the age of 21; and
WHEREAS, 1LT Wright was a member of L Company, 120th Infantry Regiment of the North Carolina National Guard in Parkton, North Carolina prior to his activation; and
WHEREAS, 1LT Wright (service number O-402766) heroically served in the United States Army during World War II and was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division; and
WHEREAS, 1LT was killed in action on September 10, 1944 during a retreat across the Moselle River near Dornot, France, in an area known as the “Horseshoe Woods”; and
WHEREAS, 1LT Wright is commemorated on the Walls of the Missing at Lorraine American Cemetery, St. Avold, France; and
WHEREAS, between the years 2010 and 2015, the diligent efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and the Europe-Mediterranean Directorate and the steadfast hope of returning James to North Carolina by his great niece, Staff Sergeant Sidney Brookman, of the United States Air Force; based upon the location of the recovery and comprehensive historical research and analysis of casualties near Dornot, it has been concluded that it is historically likely that the remains designated as CIL 2016-081-I-01 are the remains of 1LT James Earl Wright; and
WHEREAS, 1LT Wright honorably served his county, and fought courageously in the European Theater; his remains will lie in honor at the Oakdale Cemetery, located on Hwy 20, in Lumber Bridge, North Carolina, on October 12, 2021 to be honored by all North Carolinians and as expression of our state’s highest gratitude and respects;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 8, 2021, as “FIRST LIEUTENANT JAMES EARL WRIGHT DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.