[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 113 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. RAY W. WRIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BLAKE D. MOORE

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 9, 2024

  Mr. MOORE of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to 
honor the exceptional life and service of my constituent, Mr. Ray W. 
Wright, as he celebrates his 100th birthday. Mr. Wright has not only 
witnessed a century of history but has actively shaped it through his 
dedicated service to our nation during World War II and his continued 
contributions to our community.
  While America was embroiled in the middle of war on multiple 
continents, Mr. Wright took the opportunity to serve his country and 
joined the Army Air Corps in June of 1943. A month later, his basic 
training was cut short when he and his fellow soldiers embarked from 
New York Harbor in July of 1943, evading German U-boats as they crossed 
the Atlantic to arrive in Scotland.
  After being assigned to Burtonwood Air Base Depot No. 3 near 
Warrington, England, Mr. Wright began operations repairing incoming B-
17 and B-25 bomber aircraft.
  Specializing in engine repair, Mr. Wright and the repair teams kept 
allied aircraft running even as the enemy forces fired CV-2 Rockets and 
ran Buzz Bomb Raids throughout the United Kingdom. Thanks to their 
efforts the war ended, and Mr. Wright was reassigned to the 325th Troop 
Carrier Squadron and rebased to Ansbach, Germany to maintain C-47 
aircraft.
  Following his service, Mr. Wright returned to civilian life but 
remained committed to his fellow veterans and his community. He became 
actively involved in the American Legion, where he dedicated his time 
and energy to advocating for veterans' rights and supporting 
initiatives to improve the lives of those who served.
  Today, as we celebrate Ray W. Wright's 100th birthday, we reflect not 
only on his remarkable achievements but also on the profound impact he 
has had on our Nation and the world. His life is a testament to the 
resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of service to 
others. As we honor Mr. Wright, let us also reaffirm our commitment to 
upholding the values for which he and his fellow veterans protected for 
us all.

                          ____________________