Honoring a Century of Service: Marine Raider Frank Wright
Photo by Unsplash
From the battlefields of World War II to the hearts of the community, one veteran’s legacy continues to inspire.
It seems Stockton has yet to forget its heroes, as on August 31st, Frank S. Wright, a distinguished World War II veteran and Marine Raider, was honored with an honorary promotion to sergeant during the 28th annual Toys for Tots drive. At one hundred years old, Wright’s promotion is meant to recognize his exceptional service not only to the Marine Corps, but to his local community.
Wright’s military journey began at just sixteen, when he enlisted using the birthdate of his older brother. He later went on to serve with the 4th Marine Raiders, participating in pivotal moments across the Pacific Theater, including Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Guam, and even the likes of Iwo Jima. Wright was wounded multiple times in his service and he received two Purple Heart medals as a result of his valiance.
After his honorable discharge in 1946, Wright continued serving the country as a drill instructor, and later earned a business degree with which he built a successful career as a business consultant. His recent promotion to sergeant not only acknowledges his wartime heroism, but countless decades of community involvement and dedication to the preservation of the legacy of countless other World War II veterans.
The promotion ceremony took place at Stockton’s annual Toys for Tots drive, a charitable program run by the US Marine Corps which aims to provide toys, books, and gifts to disadvantaged children during the holiday season, a rather fitting occasion to celebrate Wright’s lifelong commitment to service. Marine Corps officials and local dignitaries gathered to honor his legacy and mark the occasion. In August, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith recommended that Wright receive an honorary promotion to sergeant. “Recommending Frank for this honorary promotion was an easy decision,” Smith told Task & Purpose in August. “He is a proud veteran of the famed Marine Raiders. His courageous service during the Pacific Campaign, including at historic battles like Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima, has firmly cemented his place in the legacy of the Corps.”
In addition to the promotion, Wright also celebrated his centennial, which was marked by a heartfelt request: he had hoped to receive 100,000 birthday cards for his 100th birthday earlier this year in July, with the community rallying to help him reach his goal. Frank S. Wright's honorary promotion serves as a testament to his remarkable service and the enduring impact of veterans who continue to inspire future generations.