Wright, John Dillard

John D Wright

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

163rd Infantry, 43rd Division US Army

Place of Birth:

Lewisburg, TN

Date of Birth:

October 12, 1917

Place of Death:

Solomon Islands

Date of Death:

August 4, 1943

Place of Burial:

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Cemetery Name:

Stones River National Cemetery

John D Wright was born on October 12, 1917, in Lewisburg, TN. When he turned 18, he began working for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) out of Sewanee in Franklin County, TN. The CCC is known for building the infrastructure for the modern outdoor recreation system that you see today. It was the start of any real conservation efforts in America and its military style camp life developed citizens that supported the WWII manpower effort. John Wright participated in many of the CCC's efforts for work until eventually being drafted to serve.

Wright was drafted into the U.S. Army as a Private First Class in the 169th Infantry, 43rd Division. In July 1943, the 169th infantry took part in the fighting for Munda airport on the Solomon Islands. This campaign came difficultly for the men because they weren't used to the type of fighting conditions that the Solomon Islands offered. They also were inexperienced in the ways of jungle fighting and had to adaptto the area. From July 2nd to August 5th, 1943, the men pushed against Japanese forces until they were successful in their efforts and seized the objective- the Munda airstrip. While it is unknown how he died, John D Wright is listed as killed in action on August 4, 1943, and likley passed during the engagments with the Japanese right before the breakthrough of success.

He is laid to rest in the Stones River National Cemetery plot P-6321.