In December 1943, Private Maurice Wright deployed to England, where the 501st prepared for combat operations in Normandy and Holland. On the 17th of Sept. 1944, Pvt. Wright made a combat jump into Holland in support of Operation Market Garden, landing near the town of Veghel, 25 miles behind the German front lines. It was near Veghel that Pvt. Wright was killed in action while aiding a fellow Paratrooper on the 18th of Sept. 1944.
Pvt. Wright’s remains were recovered in 1949 and returned to his family. He was buried at All Saints Episcopal Church Cemetery in Torresdale, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.
Transcript
Alright, so you are in the front row.
It’s all right.
[Military Man] Parade!
We are gathered here to do just that. At this time, Lieutenant Colonel Brauley and Sergeant Major Brennaugh are returning Private Wright’s dog tags to the family. (mumbles) Market Garden, the Dutch reenacted Private Wright’s jump from the same aircraft, at the—
At this time, Lieutenant Colonel Brauley and Sergeant Major Brennaugh are presenting Private Wright’s award to the family. Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. At this time, Lieutenant Colonel Brauley and Sergeant Major Brennaugh are giving the family the Distinguished Member of the Regiment certificate. We were with the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment. At this time, Major Roth Van Kemenade and Sergeant Major Palo van Seners are presenting the Wright Family with the Netherlands’ orange lanyard, of the Military Order of William. 1949, in return to a Spaniard. He was buried at All Saints’ Episcopal Church—
to the heart. To the heart. The man thinketh in his heart.
Yeah, I see father in him.
That’s the clearest picture I have of his face.