THE WALL OF FACES

Major Wright grew up in Logan, West VA. I grew up in the southern Ohio river town of Ironton. Small town boys who loved the outdoors were brought together at Nellis AFB, Nevada skeet range. I was a rookie and Major Wright was my mentor there. He was a special officer. I was enlisted but he treated me as an equal. As I recall, he graduated from the Air Force Academy. His personality was infectious. I expected those Interpersonal skills to move him up the ranks quickly. I could see stars on his shoulder in the future.

In 1970/1971 the Nellis AFB skeet range was named the Major David I. Wright in his remembrance. (Update 7/2015 the honor has been lost in the growth of the base/relocation of the ranges.) Anyone who can restore this honor, please do so.

I wept at the Wall to see his name there many years after his death. Devotion to duty took him from us. My final salute, Major David Wright, RIP.

To decide to risk everything for your country is an incredible accomplishment. I know that I would never want to risk everything like David has, but I feel the importance in defending our country. Whether David Irvin Wright was interested in the politics involving this war, what he has done deserves to be remembered as he has truly served America

Sharon ~ I see your post from 2001. I'm writing on behalf of my father. He also served in Vietnam, his term was during 1965-1966. My father has worn your father's bracelet and my dad would love for you to have it. Please respond to me at [email protected] if you are interested. I hope you can see the picture I've tried to attach.

On November 13, 1970, MAJ David I. Wright, pilot, and 1LT William W. Bancroft Jr., navigator, departed their base at Udorn, Thailand on an aerial reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. During the mission, while just east of Tan Ap in Ha Tinh Province, their RF-4C Phantom jet was seen to explode and crash while making a low level pass over the objective target. It was not known at that time whether Wright and Bancroft survived. On 18 November 1970, the U.S. intelligence community received information which indicated that Wright and Bancroft were dead, and they were listed as Killed in Action/Body Not Recovered. [Narrative taken from pownetwork.org; image from wikipedia.org]

Dear Major David Irvin Wright, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter