Free Republic

The elite Delta Force soldier who became the first American service member killed in action in the U.S. campaign against the Islamic State militant group was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday in a quiet ceremony. The burial of Army Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler, 39, was disclosed by the office of Sen. Jim Inhofe (R.-Okla.) as it began, but was kept off the online daily funeral schedule that the cemetery maintains. That is in keeping with Delta's reputation for being quiet professionals, and follows intense scrutiny of the Oct. 22 operation in which Wheeler was killed. "Today...

Master Sergeant Joshua Wheeler of Roland, Oklahoma, a highly-decorated soldier and father of four, rushed into action when he heard sounds of gunfire coming from a prison in Iraq where dozens of ISIS-held hostage were being held on Thursday. Those actions, Defense Secretary Ash Carter told reporters on Friday, weren't part of the original rescue mission plan, but were critical to its success. "I am immensely proud of this young man," Carter said adding that his thoughts and prayers go out to Wheeler's family. Earlier Friday, Defense officials confirmed to NBC News Wheeler, 39, as the American Delta Force commando...