Wright enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and upon completing officer training was deployed to Europe. Flying a P-38 over France and Germany he was shot down and taken as a POW to Oberusel where he remained until Patton's liberation.



During Korea / Cold War he flew the F-84 while stationed in Germany, France, Arizona and England. In Vietnam he was commander of the 4th Tactical squadron flying the Phantom RF-4C.



In 1966 he was transferred to Bergstrom AFB where retired in 1970 having earned numerous commendations, including multiple Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. He had a second successful career in real estate from which he never retired.