US Navy,
NORFOLK (DefenceTalk): Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Joseph C. Schwedler, Sea, Air, Land (SEAL), 27, of Crystal Falls, Mich., was killed by enemy fire while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq April 5.
Two additional SEALs were also wounded in this attack; their names are being withheld pending next of kin notification.
“Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and teammates of Petty Officer Schwedler in this very difficult time. He was a great warrior, teammate, and friend to so many of us in the Naval Special Warfare community, and his spirit and sacrifice will live on in each of us as we continue to fight the global war on terrorism,” said Capt. Chaz Heron, Naval Special Warfare Group 2's commander.
“Petty Officer Schwedler lived by the SEAL Code, and time and again his actions in training and on the battlefield embodied the physical agility and mental toughness that characterizes the best of Naval Special Warfare. He will surely be missed and certainly not forgotten.”
Schwedler enlisted in the Navy on March 25, 2002, and graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill., in October. In November 2002, Schwedler entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, Calif., Class 246. It was the SEALs’ embodiment of the Navy's core values of honor, courage, and commitment that his shipmates said drew Schwedler to volunteer for SEAL training.
Following graduation from BUD/S, Schwedler completed advanced SEAL training courses including parachute training at Basic Airborne School, Fort Benning, Ga., six months of SEAL Qualifications Training in Coronado and cold weather combat training in Kodiak, Alaska. He was assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team in July of 2004 and was subsequently promoted to petty officer second class in December of 2004. In the ensuing months, Schwedler participated in specialized training in preparation for his SEAL Team’s deployment to the Central Command area of operations late last year in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
His awards and decorations include the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment ribbon.
Schwedler is survived by his father, mother, brother, sister and Naval Special Warfare teammates.
