You should know who Marine Raider Frank Wright is

[Talyn]

Always Faithful, Always Forward.

Frank S. Wright left for U.S. Marine Corps boot camp in 1942, at the young age of 16. He left feeling it was the right thing to do after the Pearl Harbor attacks rocked the U.S. and catapulted the country into World War II.

Wright and his fellow Marines from Naval Air Station Tongue Point underwent training that covered Raider tactics and instilled a fighting spirit in them from Oct. 23rd to Feb. 8th, 1943.

They drilled jungle warfare while knowing the 1st and 2nd Raider Battalions were in the thick of the fighting in Guadalcanal. Wright was only 17 when he became a newly minted Marine Raider. He joined the fighting shortly after.

You should know who Marine Raider Frank Wright is

Frank Wright is a plank holder in WWII Marine Raider battalions (which later became current day MARSOC) and survived a bayonet in Guam.

taskandpurpose.com

 

[3L120]

All fighting ribbons from what I see. Not like the brass today who have row on row of “good job” or it comes with the rank ribbons. Semper Fi Frank

 

[Shibadog]

Truly the Greatest Generation. Raised in the hardship of then depression, then going on to win a global war. At one time 1 in 8 Americans (counting ALL men, women and children) were in uniform. Methinks we will never see their like again.

 

[Talyn]

Update: Mr. Wright gets a promotion at 100.

Legendary Marine Raider finally promoted to sergeant at 100

Wounded twice fighting in the Pacific in World War II, including at Iwo Jima, Frank S. Wright received an honorary promotion to sergeant.

taskandpurpose.com

Last month, Wright got his wish when he became the “newest and oldest Sergeant of Marines,” at 100, according to an Aug. 31 post in a ceremony at Camp Pendleton, California.

Camp Pendleton

The newest and oldest Sergeant of Marines 🇺🇸 📍Stockton, California (August 31, 2025) U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Frank S. Wright, 100 years old, WWII and Iwo Jima veteran, promotes to sergeant after...

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Camp Pendleton's post​

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The newest and oldest Sergeant of Marines

Stockton, California (August 31, 2025)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Frank S. Wright, 100 years old, WWII and Iwo Jima veteran, promotes to sergeant after being promoted to corporal 82 years ago. Wright joined the Marine Corps at 16 years old in 1942, using his brother’s birthday to enlist. He served with the 4th Marine Raiders and 3rd Marine Division, 21st Marines, and fought in New Georgia, Guam, and Iwo Jima.

During the Battle of Iwo Jima, Wright was wounded by machine gun fire, medically evacuated, and eventually returned to full duty to finish his career as a drill instructor. He was promoted in recognition of his active service to the community, with the honorary promotion approved by the 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith.

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.”

The Aug. 31 promotion ceremony took place in Stockton, California, said retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Marvin Hernandez Garcia, a close friend to Wright who coordinated the event. Wright wore a Marine Corps uniform from World War II for the ceremony.