08/31/2026
American Hero
< Joshua T. Harris >
19 Apr 1972 - 31 Aug 2008
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13
< YOU ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN >
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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
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18 years ago today, this 36 yr old Warrior from Lexington, N.C, left this world to take a new post guarding the gates of heaven.
Please take the time to read about his sacrifice and what his family and friends say about this American Hero.
Think of your Freedoms and Liberties that have been preserved by OUR Brothers and Sisters WHO GAVE ALL.
Thank you for your sacrifice brother. I am truly sorry that you didn't get to live out your life. We can never repay you or your family for the sacrifice you have made on our behalf. But, I will commit to telling your story so others can learn of the life behind the sacrifice.
Remember everyday is Memorial Day for the families and friends of our Fallen Heroes. Please keep them and our Warriors in your prayers.
Honor, healing and remembrance to you and your family brother.
We will NEVER forget your sacrifice for the American way of life.
Fair Winds and Following Seas!
Semper Fidelis
In honor and service,
- FHH
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36,of Lexington, N.C.; temporarily forward deployed from his assignment at Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Dam Neck, Va.; died Aug. 30 from injuries sustained while conducting combat operations in Bagram, Afghanistan.
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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.
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Remembering you today and every day. Thank you for your sacrifice. The last time I saw you, I told you that you are my hero. That remains true so many years later. God bless your family.
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Melisa Kennedy
Josh, on this Veterns Day 2012, I am remembering you. I know it has been a while since you have been gone, yet in your Heavenly domain there is no such thing as Time. I always tell my kids about you and about your character..and how the character you had as a high schooler carried with you throughout life and rubbed off on others. And how here we are today talking about you and one of the consistent things we read about you from everyone is your character. You definitely had some wonderful parents and my heart goes out to your family on this day. Thanks bud for your sacrifice. I will always remember you and pay tribute to you and my children will grow up and know who Josh Harris was and what he did for them.
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J. Copley
On this day of honor I am humbled by Josh's duty & sacrifice. We share a birth date & my son is in his water evolution. Thank you Josh for your inspiration & service.
To the family of Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Harris:
Joshua gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
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Peggy Childers
As our family approaches the one year anniversary of the loss of our beloved Josh Harris, we remember his dedication, devotion, service, and sacrifice to our country, his artistic abilities, his compassion, his warm smile, and his sense of humor. His family members are not the only ones to feel this loss, as everyone he ever came in contact with will understand. He was magnetic. His smile beamed through a room, his laugh was contagious, his friendship pure, and his heart – like his arms – always open and embracing.
In him, the country lost a soldier and a hero; his family lost a son, a brother, a part of our lives that cannot be replaced. Yet, in our grief, we rejoice in his spirit; for he demonstrated what a man should be, what a soldier can be, what a hero is, and left an indelible impression on those who were fortunate enough to know him.
From his schoolyard friends, to his football teammates, to his college classmates, to his military brethren, Josh endeavored to be and remained an inspiration. Leading by example and effort, through his honesty, though his temperament, through his loyalty, and through his devotion, he exemplified the meaning of a champion.
We will truly miss him.
As we scroll through these seemingly endless lists of men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice, let us remember they were all sons and daughters, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, and brothers and sisters of us all. We owe them all and their families a debt of gratitude that can only be superficially expressed in words, but truly, honestly, and deeply felt within our very hearts and souls.
If you know of a family that has lost a loved one, remember to console them not only during the recent days and weeks after their loss, but also in the months and years afterwards. Your thoughts and prayers are always appreciated. Memories can sometimes be a bit painful, but in the long run, the remembrance by others of a loved one is always appreciated. To have one’s life acknowledged is of the highest compliment.
God Bless America, and God Bless Our Service Members.
Dedicated to the memory of Josh Harris,
Drew Lohr
Josh is like no other. He is a quintessential hero. He is strong in both body and soul. He always took the high road. He protected us and loved us. And we will always miss him. I am so proud of you Josh.
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Penny Overby
To the family and parents of Joshua I want you to know that you are not alone in the grief you are feeling. I too know what you are going through and what you will go through in the coming weeks and months ahead. You will have many questions as to why? You will have many things to get ready or go through and that should be done in time. Sometimes it just can’t be faced and that’s ok, for you will know when the time is right for you. There is no right or wrong way to grieve it’s an individual journey that unfortunately we now have to take. I ask that God give the comfort, strength and courage that you are going to need. When and if the time is right for you please contact me. You can cry, vent, or just talk as only another person who has been where you are can really know what you are going through. May God continue to be with you and heal you
goldstarfamilysupportgroup.com
In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq
82nd Airborne 2-505th PIR
Fair winds and following seas shipmate.Your last port of call has no earthly name.Rest in eternal peace.
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Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
"GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN HE WHO GIVES HIS LIFE FOR A FRIEND". FREEDOM IS OUR GIFT FROM YOU PETTY OFFICER. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THAT GIFT JOSHUA. REST IN PEACE HERO, YOUR MISSON IS DONE.
CSM W.H.WILLIAMSON
I knew your son briefly several years ago when he was training to be a Seal. My boyfriend at the time was one of his training partners. In fact I even had the oppurtunity to meet you in your home on a visit to see Josh one day. You were all so kind and encouraging toward Josh and my boyfriend. They both went out together and when Josh made it I was so proud. I have often thought of him through the years and was so sad to see the story on the news last week. He was such a honorable person and I thank you for the sacrifice your son and you made during his years in the service. God Bless You and Josh
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Dottie Powers
Josh was one of my closest friends. He was such a good hearted family man, and there was never a moment he didnt talk about his family. I will never forget his face when his nephews called him to thank him for the Christmas gifts, his face lit up with joy! Josh touched my life in so many ways and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, may Josh's memories live on forever!
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Cheryl Koch
I first met Josh at my oldest Son's wedding this past May. He sat across from me with his curly hair and sly smile. I knew his polite demeaner and courtiousness would bring a smile to his parents faces. I was much impressed by his strength of character. He introduced himself to me and we made small talk and went our seperate ways. We met again at the wedding and had a grand time. Again I thought what a nice young man. When our son called to tell us of his passing my wife and I cried. How could he be taken from life so soon. Some how I knew he would not go quietly. When I later learned that he was a SEAL, it some how fit who he was. When I read his service record I was in awe of his accomplishments, and proud to have known him even if for such a short time. His life is a tribute to the strength and upbringing of his family and the community that helped raise him. I hope the strength that Josh learned from you will hold you tight in the tough times to come and that his smile will bring the sun out from behind the clouds. My grandmother once said that the pain in your heart is the memory of their spirit making room, I hope that is so.
Michael and Deborah Miles
Proud parents of a Marine
KIA 1.24.2006
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Michael Miles
I have such fond memories of Josh. I taught him dancing many years ago in my High Point Studio. He was such a great guy. I am a Vietnam Veteran and I am so sorry to hear of his death. I will keep all of you in my prayers. He will surely be missed.
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Mallory Graham
