Name: Army Staff Sgt. Joshua A. Melton Age: 26 From: Carlyle, Ill. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, Illinois National Guard, Marion, Ill. Incident: Army Staff Sgt. Joshua A. Melton died June 19 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Sgt. Paul G. Smith. Died:
June
19, 2009 Ill. soldier killed months before tour was to end
The Associated Press
GERMANTOWN, Ill. — The brother of a southern Illinois soldier killed in Afghanistan says his sibling was expected to return home in September to his wife and 16-month-old daughter.
Twenty-six-year-old Staff Sgt. Joshua Melton was from Germantown in Clinton County. He died along with 43-year-old Sgt. Paul Smith of East Peoria on Friday.
The Illinois National Guard says their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in Kandahar.
Melton enlisted in the National Guard in 2000 while still in high school in Breese.
Dustin Melton says his late brother knew from the time he was a boy that he wanted to be a soldier.
Joshua Melton's widow, Larissa Melton, says her husband died as something he always wanted to be — a hero.
Prayers & Condolences For: Joshua A. Melton BY Anonymous on Aug 03, 2009
I just found about his death a few days ago and I just wanted to send my condolences. I served with him in Iraq from 2004-06 with Charlie Co. 2/123 FA. He was a good man and there was no better soldier. I hope the American people never forget the sacrifice that you and your family has made.
Prayers & Condolences For: Joshua A. Melton BY John on Jun 24, 2009
May the grace of God, the love of Jesus, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you and your family forever.