THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Dear Sgt Martin Wright, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Lent has begun. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

SP4 Martin W. Wright was an infantryman serving with B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division. SP4 Wright’s unit was based at Camp Eagle in Thua Thien Province, RVN, and served as a search and rescue and rapid reaction force for the aviation elements of 2nd Squadron. B Troop were assigned their own corner of the sprawling Camp Eagle complex, and when not on a mission, they performed other duties such as sweeping and making secure the area right outside of the perimeter where they were posted. In the summer of 1970, Wright was nearing completion of his tour in Vietnam and had been released from field duties as was the practice with personnel getting “short.” Nevertheless, Wright wanted nothing more than to be with his squad, and on July 25th he accompanied them outside the perimeter to police up their designated area. While conducting this task, some undetonated ordinance exploded, fatally injuring Wright. His body was picked up by medivac and flown to the Camp Eagle dispensary. His loss devastated the men he served with, and they received special permission to handle his personal effects, conduct a memorial service with the assistance of the battalion chaplain, and compose a letter to Wright’s family. They also sought approval for and obtained a posthumous promotion for Wright to Sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Frank Hunkler (May 2020)]

Sergeant Martin Willard Wright, Served with B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

Martin is buried at Wright Family Cemetery, Middleburgh, Schoharie County, NY.