Robert Carrol WrightSecond LieutenantA BTRY, 6TH BN, 11TH ARTILLERY, 11 INF BDE Army of the United States 13 December 1947 - 02 January 1970 Elk City, Oklahoma Panel 15W Line 121 |
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The database page for Robert Carrol Wright
Second Lieutenant Robert C. Wright was assigned to A Battery, 6th Battalion, 11th Artillery, but he served with B Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry, as an Artillery Forward Observer. In late 1969, 2LT Robert C Wright rescued one of the B Company troops, SP4 Joey D'Angelico, who had been swept away while crossing a river. On 25 December 1969, B/4/3rd Infantry, began an offensive "search and destroy" mission in the coastal area around the small town of Duc Pho. Sizeable enemy forces were known to be in the area, and signs of them were everywhere, but little direct contact was made during the first week of the operation. At 1400 (2 PM), 01 Jan 1970, B Company was directed to plan to take up a Night Defensive Position (NDP) in a location which would allow them to join with D Company not later than 0900 on 02 January. The Company Commander decided that the high ground of Hill 285 near Duc Pho would be suitable for the NDP. Bravo 4/3 arrived at Hill 285 before sundown and settled in. At 2030 (8:30 PM) the enemy struck Bravo 4/3 with vigor, using mortar and ground forces. The battle raged through much of the night before the enemy withdrew at 0430 on 02 Jan. Although the NVA/VC force had suffered a major defeat and heavy casualties, seven Americans were dead and 10 wounded. Among the dead were both 2LT Wright and PFC D'Angelico. Joey D'Angelico was my brother-in-law. I want to honor a man I never met, I want to thank him for all he did for my brother-in-law Joey and the other brave men in Bravo 4/3.
Second Lieutenant Robert Wright
A memorial initiated by Joe D'Angelico's brother-in-law, |
This page recaptures memories for me about Robert. I served in C Battery, 6th Bn, 11th Arty. Robert would sometimes come to the battery and he and I became friends. He was very knowledgable about many subjects. In fact, I still owe him a beer. We had a bet about who sang "At the Hop." I lost the bet, I said "Dion and the Belmounts" and he said "Danny and the Juniors." He invited me to "visit" him at his position and I was going to bring him a cold beer. However, I was unable to go to the field that week, and it was the week he was killed. I was stunned and shocked. Not only did I lose a friend, but I also realized that I could have been a casualty. I haven't thought of that moment for over 30 years. Reading this tribute to him rekindles my sorrow about his death. He was a wonderful, spirited person. He had so much to contribute and he did - the ultimate. I am honored to have been his friend.
Bill Biggs |
My fiance' was killed in the same battle as Robert and Joseph. He was on the Hill with them. After all these years I am finally just learning how he was actually killed. His name was Sp4 Frank Dunsmore, and if anyone knew of him I would love to hear from you. All of the men that night were brave. 36 years may have passed but the grief remains fresh. Frank was a wonderful person and touched so many lives in his brief 21 years on this earth. He was an artist, musician/singer, poet, mentor, friend, lover, son, brother, a brave and honest human being. We ALL miss him so. I will always keep his memory alive.
From Frank Dunsmore's girlfriend (fiance'), |
Kathleen Christian or Don Marvin, if you see this please email me. I was The Commanding officer of A Btry, 6th Bn, 11th Artillery, 11th Infantry Brigade. Please email me at nananjkirk@cebridge.net
From Captain Rodney J Kirk |
Wonderful people of this site, my name is Mike Wright (YNC(SS), Retired). I am Lt Robert C. Wright's brother who has toiled over his loss all these years. I would enjoy any information from any of the families of the heroes killed on 2 Jan 1970 and would love to learn more about Bob.
From 2LT Wright's brother, |
A Note from The Virtual WallEight Americans died in the fighting on Hill 285:
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 17 May 2001
Last updated 08/10/2009