Joshua L. Wheeler Silver Star citation
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ESTABLISHED BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS 9 JULY 1918 (AMENDED BY ACT OF 25 JULY 1963) AND AWARDED BY THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
SILVER STAR MEDAL
PRESENTED TO
MASTER SERGEANT JOSHUA L. WHEELER
JOINT TASK FORCE
For gallantry in action on 22 October 2015 during combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States as a Team Leader for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. On multiple occasions, Master Sergeant Wheeler fearlessly exposed himself to heavy small arms fire from barricaded enemy positions. His selfless actions were critical in achieving the initiative during the most dangerous portion of the raid. Master Sergeant Wheeler’s actions saved the lives of the partner force. Master Sergeant Wheeler’s distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.
Born: Nov. 25, 1975 in Roland, Okla…. Enlisted in Army in 1995… Made three combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 75th Ranger Regiment, then 11 additional combat deployments with U.S. Army Special Operations Command… The actions of Wheeler and his team saved the lives of 70 prisoners that were reportedly scheduled to be executed the following day… Served on well over a dozen combat deployments during his 20-year career… Awarded 11 Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and the Cherokee Nation’s Medal of Patriotism in addition to his numerous other decorations… Interred at Arlington National Cemetery