SO1 Joshua Thomas Harris.

Birth: Apr. 19, 1972
Chapel Hill
Orange County
North Carolina, USA
Death: Aug. 30, 2008, Afghanistan

Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Harris of Lexington, North Carolina graduated from Lexington High School where he was an "All County" and "All Conference" football player. He went on to Davidson College, where he graduated with a degree in Studio Art. He then went on to architectural graduate school at the University of North Carolina Charlotte pursuing a Masters Degree in architecture. His art has been on display at several showings on the east coast including the prestigious Lincoln Center in New York City. He enlisted in the Navy on August 23, 2000 and reported to Boot Camp at Naval Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois on September 7, 2000. After completing Boot Camp he graduated from Quartermaster "A" School before reporting to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at Coronado, California. Joshua distinguished himself during multiple combat deployments to Iraq with SEAL Team Ten while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. On May 26, 2006, Harris transferred from SEAL Team Ten and began the demanding selection and training program at Naval Special Warfare Development Group. His training included Military Free-Fall, Naval Special Warfare Tactical First Response Medical Training, Survive Escape Resist Evade (SERE) 215 and 250 courses, Combat Pistol and Rifle Course and several other courses. Harris completed the arduous training during the selection program and received orders to Naval Special Warfare Development Group as a member of Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron (NSWTACDEVRON) Two. He is a highly decorated combat veteran and received numerous awards during his career as a U.S. Navy SEAL including the Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Combat "V" (Valor) Distinguishing Device, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V" (Valor) Distinguishing Device, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (Operation Iraqi Freedom), Combat Action Ribbon (Operation Enduring Freedom), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4), Good Conduct Medal (2). Joshua was an exemplary SEAL. He served his country valorously during multiple combat tours to Afghanistan and Iraq. He was a brave warrior, SEAL role model, mature and reliable teammate and an absolute great American. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Petty Officer Harris' family. His loss is deeply felt by the entire Naval Special Warfare community," said Capt. Scott Moore, commanding officer of NSWDG. "The entire Naval Special Warfare community is deeply saddened by the passing of our teammate, Petty Officer Josh Harris. He will always be remembered as a warrior, a leader and a patriot. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time," said Rear Admiral Garry Bonelli, commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Command. Joshua died at age 36 when he drowned after being swept away by turbulent waters while conducting a river crossing during combat operations in Afghanistan..

Navy
Naval Special Warfare
Development Group
Dam Neck, Virginia


Burial:
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington
Arlington County
Virginia, USA
Plot: Sec 60 Site 8393