Wright, James Boatner
Army Corporal

James Boatner Wright, age 23, from Florida, Duval county.

Service era: Korea

Date of death: Thursday, October 23, 1952
Death details: In late October 1952, elements of the U.S. 32nd Infantry Regiment attacked Chinese forces on Hill 598 (often referred to as the Triangle Hill Complex) near Kumhwa, North Korea. Triangle Hill was composed of three high peaks, two of which were nicknamed “Pike’s Peak” and “Jane Russell.” If U.S. troops could push the Chinese off Triangle Hill, the Chinese would have to fall back to the next high defensible position. The initial U.S. assault was effective; however, the Chinese quickly counterattacked, sending wave after wave of troops against the 32nd’s positions on Pike’s Peak and Jane Russell. Chinese forces eventually re-established themselves on Pike’s Peak and U.S. troops were unable to dislodge them. Sergeant James Boatner Wright, who joined the U.S. Army from Florida, served with G Company, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing on October 23 during the fighting around Pike’s Peak. No one saw him fall in battle and he was not reported to be a prisoner of war. U.S. forces did not regain control of Pike’s Peak, which fell within the Demilitarized Zone after the ceasefire. Today, Sergeant Wright is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Source: National Archives, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency