Their Story
David Edward Wright was born on August 12, 1947, the son of Raymond “Ray” and Annie Pauline“Polly” Low Wright. His father died on September 20, 1995.1
Wright married Laurie L. Swanson in March 1969.2 David and Laurie had two sons, Daniel and Doug.3
Wright served in the U.S. Army from November 7, 1966, until his discharge on September 9, 1968. He later reenlisted on November 26, 1969, and was discharged on March 22, 1971.4 Specialist Wright was awarded the Air Medal for his service during the Vietnam War.5
Specialist rank is achieved after a minimum of two years of service in the U.S. Army, and after demonstrating satisfactory performance of individual duties and responsibilities. Specialists manage a small number of other soldiers of lower rank, privates of all classes. The job of a specialist is to ensure soldiers under their charge are experts in their individual responsibilities and duties. Specialists themselves are recognized experts in the specialized knowledge of individual soldiers.6
After his service, Wright was a commercial fisherman in Oregon. He moved to the Quad-Cities area in 2003.7
David Edward Wright died on December 24, 2007, at Oak Glen Home in Coal Valley, Illinois, at the age of 60. The Moline American Legion Post 246 presented military honors. Wright was survived by his son, Doug Wright; and a friend, Michael Quillin. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Wright who died just one month before him.8
References
1 Donald Ray WRIGHT – Facts (ancestry.com).
2 19 Mar 1969, 5 – The Rock Island Argus at Newspapers.com.
3 26 Nov 2007, 7 – The Dispatch at Newspapers.com.
4 U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010 – Ancestry.com.
5 David Edward Wright’s memorial page – Honor Veterans Legacies at VLM (va.gov).
6 U.S. Army Specialist – Pay Grade and Rank Details (federalpay.org).
7 27 Dec 2007, 5 – The Dispatch at Newspapers.com.