Overview

• Frank S. Wright was promoted from corporal to honorary sergeant during an Aug. 31 ceremony in Stockton, California.
• The move came after Sen. Richard Blumenthal formally sought the promotion, backed by Commandant Gen. Eric M. Smith and approved by the Secretary of the Navy in June.
• Wright served with the Marine Raiders after enlisting at 16 in 1942 and fought at Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Guam, and Iwo Jima.
• He was wounded twice in combat—bayoneted on Guam and shot at Iwo Jima—and is a recipient of two Purple Hearts, later returning to duty as a drill instructor before a 1946 discharge.
• At the ceremony coordinated by retired Gunnery Sgt. Marvin HernandezGarcia, Wright wore a World War II uniform as his two sons affixed the sergeant chevrons.