Sgt. JAMES CASEY JOYCE
US ARMY
James Casey Joyce, the son of Gail and
Lieutenant Colonel Larry Joyce, was born August 15, 1969, at Fort Rucker,
Alabama. Col. Joyce served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Casey graduated from
Plano High School, attended the University of Texas in Austin, and the
University of North Texas in Denton. In November of 1990, he enlisted in the US
Army, completed Airborne training, and became a member of the Army's elite
Rangers.
In 1993, a force made up of American
Soldiers, Sailor, Airmen, and Marines were sent to the African nation of Somalia
to help bring stability to the country that was under the control of terrorist
warlords that were reeking havoc on the people and causing mass starvation. On
October 3, a raid was initiated that included 120 Rangers and Delta Force
soldiers. Casey Joyce, of B Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment,
out of Fort Benning, Georgia, was part of that force. The story of the mission
is told in the book and movie, "Black Hawk Down." In the running battle that
lasted for hours, 18 American boys were killed and 73 wounded. Over 2500 Somalis
lay dead or wounded. Sgt. Casey Joyce was killed as he attempted to save the
life of one of his fellow soldiers.
Casey Joyce is buried among the
heroes of our country in Arlington National Cemetery. In 1999, his father, Lt.
Col. Larry E. Casey, a hero of Vietnam, died, and was laid to rest next to his
son.
Medals Awarded:
BRONZE STAR
PURPLE HEART
COMBAT INFANTRYMAN'S BADGE
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