U.S. Army Lieutenant General. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1882, where his roommate was John Pershing, but left before graduating. In January, 1885 he was nominated to be a Second Lieutenant in the 2nd Infantry Regiment. Wright's appointment received nationwide publicity and was opposed by Secretary of War Robert Lincoln on the grounds that someone who failed at West Point should not receive the same reward as those who passed, and his commission was narrowly confirmed by the U.S. Senate, 29 to 22. Wright served in Cuba during the Spanish-American War, taking part in the Battle of El Caney and the other actions leading to the surrender of Santiago. He served in France in World War I, successively commanding the 35th Division, III, V and VII Corps, the 89th Division, and I Corps. Following the war he served as Executive Assistant to the Army Chief of Staff and then commanded IX Corps. From 1922 until his 1923 retirement he commanded the Department of the Philippines. In 1942, Congress passed legislation allowing World War I Generals to be advanced one rank on the retired list or posthumously if they had been recommended for a promotion which they did not receive, or if they had received the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross or Distinguished Service Medal. As a DSM recipient Wright was promoted to Lieutenant General.
U.S. Army Lieutenant General. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1882, where his roommate was John Pershing, but left before graduating. In January, 1885 he was nominated to be a Second Lieutenant in the 2nd Infantry Regiment. Wright's appointment received nationwide publicity and was opposed by Secretary of War Robert Lincoln on the grounds that someone who failed at West Point should not receive the same reward as those who passed, and his commission was narrowly confirmed by the U.S. Senate, 29 to 22. Wright served in Cuba during the Spanish-American War, taking part in the Battle of El Caney and the other actions leading to the surrender of Santiago. He served in France in World War I, successively commanding the 35th Division, III, V and VII Corps, the 89th Division, and I Corps. Following the war he served as Executive Assistant to the Army Chief of Staff and then commanded IX Corps. From 1922 until his 1923 retirement he commanded the Department of the Philippines. In 1942, Congress passed legislation allowing World War I Generals to be advanced one rank on the retired list or posthumously if they had been recommended for a promotion which they did not receive, or if they had received the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross or Distinguished Service Medal. As a DSM recipient Wright was promoted to Lieutenant General.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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