William M. Wright, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death
TweetWilliam M. Wright
American general
Date of Birth: 24-Sep-1863
Place of Birth: Newark, New Jersey, United States
Date of Death: 16-Aug-1943
Profession: military personnel
Nationality: United States
Zodiac Sign: Libra 
About William M. Wright
- William Mason Wright (September 24, 1863 – August 16, 1943) was a lieutenant general in the United States Army.
- He was notable for his service as a division and corps commander during World War I. The son of a career officer who served as an aide to Winfield Scott and George B.
- McClellan, Wright initially attracted attention when President Chester A.
- Arthur nominated him for a second lieutenant's commission despite Wright having failed his exams during his first year as a student at the United States Military Academy, where his roommate was John J.
- Pershing.
- Despite the setback, Wright obtained an appointment in the New Jersey National Guard, and served until receiving his Army commission, which was approved in a close vote of the United States Senate; several Senators opposed Arthur's nomination of Wright, arguing that someone who failed at West Point should not receive the same consideration as those who had passed. Wright embarked on an Army career, and served initially in the western United States.
- He served for several years as an aide to General John C.
- Bates, including the Spanish–American War and the Philippine–American War.
- He later took part in both the Veracruz occupation and Pancho Villa Expedition. During World War I, Wright commanded several divisions and corps, and took part in combat including the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and the final operations of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, for which he received the Distinguished Service Medal and other decorations. After the war, Wright served as Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, and acted as Chief of Staff on several occasions.
- He closed his career by serving as head of the Department of the Philippines from 1922 to 1923. In retirement, Wright lived in Washington, DC.
- In 1942, Congress passed legislation that enabled promotions on the Army's retired list for general officers who had been recommended for World War I promotions, but had not received them; Wright was one of two major generals to be promoted to lieutenant general.
- He died in Washington, DC the following year.
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