Joshua Wheeler

Joshua Lloyd Wheeler (November 22, 1975 – October 22, 2015) was a highly decorated United States Army soldier and master sergeant assigned to the elite Delta Force. He tragically lost his life in Iraq during Operation Inherent Resolve, becoming the first American service member killed in action by enemy fire while fighting ISIS militants. Born in Roland, Oklahoma, Wheeler graduated from Muldrow High School in 1994 and was a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Throughout his military career, he earned numerous accolades, including 11 Bronze Star Medals, four with Valor Devices. Wheeler was posthumously honored with the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Medal of Patriotism.