Wheeler was on my Recon Team in 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry, 1-24 Scouts at Fort Lewis, WA, from 1997-1998, before he went to 2nd Ranger Battalion. He started in C Co, then came to Scouts, then went to ROP and off to 2/75 just down the street from us. He was ATL on my Recon Team. Team Leader was SSG Harvey, then SPC Wheeler, me, SPC Cundy, and SPC Seimer. We did OPFOR against other units on Fort Lewis during their large FTXs. Wheeler was a country boy from Oklahoma, very motivated, with a heavy drawl. The leadership was always smoking him for no particular reason, because he was always smiling and couldn't be demotivated. When I saw his photo on TV in 2015, I was shocked and couldn't sleep that night. I thought he had gotten out of the army long ago. Good dude for sure.
this is the stuff that makes me proud to be an American. Those people knew they were going to be executed that day, they were praying for divine intervention, and they got it. Via Delta force, and Kurds with balls of steel. Rest in peace Master Sergeant Wheeler you went out like a hero.
@@beliveau4943not just the dudes the women too...they are feared by Isis an the Taliban as being killed by a women in battle means they don't get there 72 virgin's an go to heaven an get sent to the hellfire,..it's known that if they know the female fighters are in the area they just abandoned it as they all want to go to heaven
RIP MSGT. Wheeler. Made the ultimate sacrifice without any hesitation to save his teammates and the prisoners. Also major props to Sgt. Payne for taking the initiative to engage targets to get the mission done.
Jeez. You have to be bloody strong to cut locks like that. Even with proper bolt cutters. Probly took him a few goes. True grit man. Thanks for the vid.
The level of sheer evil the walls of that compound have seen makes me shudder. Thank God there are men who are willing to combat that level of evilness for their fellow man.
Cuz it was Delta. They don't like to brag about what they've done. It prolly wouldn't have gotten out if Payne didn't get the MOH for it. There's prolly another 100 missions like this that no one will ever hear about unless you were there.
@@mitchconner2021 i remember reading somewhere the guy was disappointed about getting the medal because he would no longer be able to "OPERATE" like he use to
@@mitchconner2021 the mission was well-known before Payne got his medal. Joshua Wheeler was the first US serviceman to be killed during Operation Inherent Resolve.
I have so much appreciation for this youtube channel. I learn about the sacrifice of so many brave individuals through this channel. I would call it one of the most important on youtube. Thank you for what you do.
That was a great interview, you could see him flashing back several times, where he is just on a different parallel then the rest of us, the classic 1,000 yard stare that you often hear about, Shawn is a great interviewer as well being an ex SEAL, another great one is his interview of DJ Shipley, it’s a captivating 4 1/2 hr long that you won’t put your device down that your watching it on.
Good will always overcome evil. A miracle doesn't always need religion to happen. With all respect to Master Sergeant Joshua Wheeler and his family, it is a miracle that nobody else lost their lives, amongst those who were laying down their lives so that 75 others may be freed from these butchers. If only 1 of those men go on to great things, because of the actions of joint American and Kurdish military forces, then this was a great moment. Most think that soldiers only live to take lives, when in fact, their primary goal is always to save as many as possible.
Rip Sargent Payne. I couldn't image how these prisoners felt thinking everyone had forgotten them and they we're going to die probably horribly only to be saved in the last minute. These guy's are really heroes going into complete a mission like that fir people they don't even know. Respect to all you vets out there.
Im very familiar with this mission. Through research it was a shtf moment as soon as they touched down. Sgt. Wheeler being such a badass took charge and got them inside the wall to secure objective. Ive seen pictures of Sgt. Wheeler fresh in the military up to the point almost of this operation and the change in his face and especially the eyes tells a story! RIP a true hero!
All the Delta guys are incredibly brave and rarely get awarded so as to not give their identities or sensitive mission info that the public will never know, Wheeler should’ve received a higher level medal, the service cross or the MOH like SGM Payne, without Wheeler taking decisive action and sacrificing himself there would’ve been a very different outcome most likely! To have 30 of them on the ground on the same mission you know they will be stacking bodies.
Well my amigos. Joshua, this old Veteran will hug your neck soon…once I’ve crossed that rainbow bridge. God bless our warfighters. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends …🙏🇺🇸❤️👍🇺🇸
Having been on many missions inside Iraq & Afghanistan I wonder how high the pucker factor was of the prisoners? When I was in Iraq in 06-08 I can tell you the AQI was particularly brutal
Payne and Wheeler are the quintessential Americans. It doesn’t get any better than those two. That said, I just assume never seen our nations finest Americans die in any more foreign wars.
@@samdherring You clearly haven't been paying attention to A). What/who our allies are, and the fact that we no longer have their respect (the ones who are left at this point)......and B). The fact that that "threat" IS at our doorstep, and has been for a long time now. We've been fighting foreign wars for SO long now, that the original threat is long gone. Now, we're being threatened by the sons of those people, who have been allowed to just walk right into our country, unchecked. America is more of an enemy to itself (and those very soldiers in this video), than anyone in some third-world, dump.
Delta Forces are real warriors, most or all of their missions are really kept in secret, you would think they do not exist, unlike their counter-parts the seals who are forever glorified by hollywood...delta are quiet, silent and deadly..
@@eeklarthing6264In Syria, Kurdish forces were promised by the US to be looked out for since they were the biggest US allies in Syria, Later Trump withdrew the US forces and then Turkish forces started bombarding everyone in the Kurdish cities.
Post 9/11 - CAG along with JSOC have set the standard when it comes to special operations. No other country comes close. No other country spends the amount of money per operator that we do. Nor does any other country have the talent pool size that we do.
Both Payne and Wheeler are true American heroes. Risking their lives to save POWs.
Agreed but I prefer to call them hostages, POW implies recognition the terrorists don't deserve.
We need more men like Payne, respect !
We've got loads . just equip them, give them the right to do what needs to be done, then let the dogs of war off the leash.
@@michaeldoolan7595 just stop dude
RIP Joshua Wheeler. What a badass
Wheeler was on my Recon Team in 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry, 1-24 Scouts at Fort Lewis, WA, from 1997-1998, before he went to 2nd Ranger Battalion.
He started in C Co, then came to Scouts, then went to ROP and off to 2/75 just down the street from us.
He was ATL on my Recon Team. Team Leader was SSG Harvey, then SPC Wheeler, me, SPC Cundy, and SPC Seimer.
We did OPFOR against other units on Fort Lewis during their large FTXs. Wheeler was a country boy from Oklahoma, very motivated, with a heavy drawl. The leadership was always smoking him for no particular reason, because he was always smiling and couldn't be demotivated.
When I saw his photo on TV in 2015, I was shocked and couldn't sleep that night. I thought he had gotten out of the army long ago.
Good dude for sure.
@@LRRPFco52rest in peace, he lives on in memory for his heroism
He killed several IS fighters during the raid
Outstanding. Proud to have served in the Kurdish Air Force. Zor Spas Bram!
Md-902 pilot?
@@jegerbaderkhan71 yes sir. And the MD530.
how is iraqi kurdistan doing ?
@@Alelip1000 I left a few years ago. I wish they were better supported but there is no money in peace…
@@RamadiTaxiDriver60M im sorry to hear that. thank you for your service!
My respect to Sgt Payne. What a brave man. Hats off.
As a kurd i thank ur service guys respect 🫡
As a Kurd I'm proud that our forces have worked with Delta Force.
The Kurds have gotten a ton of props as being the best partner force by atleast two Delta guys from what I've seen! Good on them.
I was honored to have served with Josh when we were both E-4's. He was always hardcore. Didn't know how to quit. I love you Brother, rest in peace.
Missions of SFOD-D never fail to amaze me. True warriors, true hero's
this is the stuff that makes me proud to be an American. Those people knew they were going to be executed that day, they were praying for divine intervention, and they got it. Via Delta force, and Kurds with balls of steel. Rest in peace Master Sergeant Wheeler you went out like a hero.
Man it's pretty well known that Kurds are some of the ballsiest dudes to ever pick up weapons. Those dudes don't fuck around hats off to both teams
@@beliveau4943not just the dudes the women too...they are feared by Isis an the Taliban as being killed by a women in battle means they don't get there 72 virgin's an go to heaven an get sent to the hellfire,..it's known that if they know the female fighters are in the area they just abandoned it as they all want to go to heaven
Yeah hope the Kurds know the troops love them. Can’t control the govt behavior.
RIP MSGT. Wheeler. Made the ultimate sacrifice without any hesitation to save his teammates and the prisoners. Also major props to Sgt. Payne for taking the initiative to engage targets to get the mission done.
Watching this on U.S. Memorial Day weekend. Brave heroes on both forces, and what admirable account of what happened. Thanks
Jeez. You have to be bloody strong to cut locks like that. Even with proper bolt cutters. Probly took him a few goes. True grit man. Thanks for the vid.
Well done Delta .
Looking at that goat rope helmet cam footage, I can only imagine those 75 hostages survived exclusively thanks to Delta Force actions.
And the Kurds
The level of sheer evil the walls of that compound have seen makes me shudder. Thank God there are men who are willing to combat that level of evilness for their fellow man.
Being just 8 years ago, I don't know how i haven't heard this story before.
Cuz it was Delta. They don't like to brag about what they've done. It prolly wouldn't have gotten out if Payne didn't get the MOH for it. There's prolly another 100 missions like this that no one will ever hear about unless you were there.
@@mitchconner2021 i remember reading somewhere the guy was disappointed about getting the medal because he would no longer be able to "OPERATE" like he use to
@@mitchconner2021 the mission was well-known before Payne got his medal. Joshua Wheeler was the first US serviceman to be killed during Operation Inherent Resolve.
@@mitchconner2021 It was pretty well known as the largest hostage rescue in the GWOT.
badass Deltas. mad respect for all servicemen.
Absolutely amazing recount, as always thank you for taking the time to share these heroic stories with us!
I have so much appreciation for this youtube channel. I learn about the sacrifice of so many brave individuals through this channel. I would call it one of the most important on youtube. Thank you for what you do.
Respect for those who go in harm's way...RIP...
Incredible bravery from Wheeler and Payne! I’m awe struck.
Man this channel always deliver the goods..........
True hero's!! This channel is so important. God Bless 🙏. We should never forget, or be doomed to the past mistakes.
Listen to Kyle Morgan's interview on the Sean Ryan Show. Delta did a lot of work in Syria.
That was a great interview, you could see him flashing back several times, where he is just on a different parallel then the rest of us, the classic 1,000 yard stare that you often hear about, Shawn is a great interviewer as well being an ex SEAL, another great one is his interview of DJ Shipley, it’s a captivating 4 1/2 hr long that you won’t put your device down that your watching it on.
God bless those men. They're just doing their job, but what a job it is. Great work.
Thank you for the information and time spent compiling this.
Wow! Amazing footage! What a great episode and kudos to the brave men involved in this rescue/raid.
Thank you guys for covering this raid
Thank you for covering this
Shared this video with another member of the SFA (SF Assoc). This is a great example of an excellent plan extremely well executed..
Good vid as always man keep it up🔥
Intense stuff. Thanks for sharing this. RIP Master Sergeant Wheeler
Gatta give it to that one kurdish soilder for providing the videos for us to view good job
Wow what a story, and brilliantly told as ever
That is amazing footage. Kudos all
Respect to U.S.A and Kurdistan.
Bje kurd o Kurdistan ❤️☀️💚🇺🇸
UA-cam turned off my subscription notification for this awesome channel. UA-cam stop doing this!
Love this channel.
Good will always overcome evil. A miracle doesn't always need religion to happen. With all respect to Master Sergeant Joshua Wheeler and his family, it is a miracle that nobody else lost their lives, amongst those who were laying down their lives so that 75 others may be freed from these butchers. If only 1 of those men go on to great things, because of the actions of joint American and Kurdish military forces, then this was a great moment. Most think that soldiers only live to take lives, when in fact, their primary goal is always to save as many as possible.
Powerful! Thank you
You know, hostage rescue was what Delta was formed for. Feels good that they got recognized for a win like this. Kudos to Kurds. RIP MSG Wheeler.
Hostage rescue and counter terroism
Hostage rescue is part of counter terroism delta is a counter terroism unit brotha
Ive been commenting for this video since your early videos! Lets gooo
Thanks for another great video.
her biji Kurdistan!
A great operation guys, well done!
God Bless Sgt Payne. God Bless America
Awesome video!
Rip Sargent Payne.
I couldn't image how these prisoners felt thinking everyone had forgotten them and they we're going to die probably horribly only to be saved in the last minute.
These guy's are really heroes going into complete a mission like that fir people they don't even know.
Respect to all you vets out there.
Wheeler*
Payne didn’t die common man!
It's a fucking miracle the man didn't die. Must have been tough dragging those massive balls.
Biji Kurdistan and thanks to our friends for your help and sacrifices ❤️
Im very familiar with this mission. Through research it was a shtf moment as soon as they touched down. Sgt. Wheeler being such a badass took charge and got them inside the wall to secure objective.
Ive seen pictures of Sgt. Wheeler fresh in the military up to the point almost of this operation and the change in his face and especially the eyes tells a story! RIP a true hero!
I love your work
Delta proving again who's the best Tier 1 operators in the world!!
MSG Wheeler God bless and rest in peace brother!!
🇺🇸 ALWAYS SEEMS TO LEAD THE WAY!
Thanks
Yes they need more man like him every where
All the Delta guys are incredibly brave and rarely get awarded so as to not give their identities or sensitive mission info that the public will never know, Wheeler should’ve received a higher level medal, the service cross or the MOH like SGM Payne, without Wheeler taking decisive action and sacrificing himself there would’ve been a very different outcome most likely! To have 30 of them on the ground on the same mission you know they will be stacking bodies.
Sgt. Payene really brought them Pain
Well my amigos. Joshua, this old Veteran will hug your neck soon…once I’ve crossed that rainbow bridge. God bless our warfighters.
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends …🙏🇺🇸❤️👍🇺🇸
‘till valhalla, my brother.
@@-Hesco amen
This was the biggest successful hostage rescue operation of the 21st century.
they both delta - different uniforms? green is correct ?
Nice one, Liveth🤙
If this is one of the biggest special forces raids in military history does that make the St Nazaire raid?
PVT - "OK when we get into the compound, why do I need to grope the balls of every prisoner?"
SSGT - "You are just lucky I guess"
They went in for one and saved 75. 🇺🇸
those peshmerga are some hellish warriors, we did some clearing with them
Delta is somethin else
Not sure why but Wheeler should’ve been awarded the medal of honor too
Imagine just being able to sit down with some delta guys and just listen to their stories.. or watch actual video of raids.
75 hostages rescued. That's insane and a hellova job.
God bless the USA and the Kurds deserve their own land. Every Turkish “person” should live a day in their shoes
These men have the biggest fucking balls of steel. True modern heros.
❤❤❤
The Americans were there to be a backup but took the lead when things went south. Heroes
God Bless E'm🙏🇺🇸
The one who let this happen in the first place...?
Having been on many missions inside Iraq & Afghanistan I wonder how high the pucker factor was of the prisoners? When I was in Iraq in 06-08 I can tell you the AQI was particularly brutal
Payne and Wheeler are the quintessential Americans. It doesn’t get any better than those two. That said, I just assume never seen our nations finest Americans die in any more foreign wars.
I would rather face a threat with allies than wait to fight the threat alone on our doorstep.
@@samdherring You clearly haven't been paying attention to A). What/who our allies are, and the fact that we no longer have their respect (the ones who are left at this point)......and B). The fact that that "threat" IS at our doorstep, and has been for a long time now. We've been fighting foreign wars for SO long now, that the original threat is long gone. Now, we're being threatened by the sons of those people, who have been allowed to just walk right into our country, unchecked. America is more of an enemy to itself (and those very soldiers in this video), than anyone in some third-world, dump.
Kurdish special forces? Interesting!
It's iraqi special forces in kudristan
@@mohammedizzat5416 No, it's Kurdish Special Forces. Iraqi army has their own special forces.
@@Finny869proof?
@@mohammedizzat5416 Counter Terror Group (CTG) was in this operation, it’s the Kurdish PUK’s special forces. They’re based in Sulaymaniyah, google it.
@@mohammedizzat5416no lol they are Kurdish SOF 😂
aren't they going to make a movie about this?
Why didn't Wheeler get the MOH?
What group is IS?
Former known as ISIL and ISIS....
Islamic State-Islamic terrorists
👍😁
Bad to the bone. RIP Wheeler.
saved these guys from ending up on graphic internet video
Delta Forces are real warriors, most or all of their missions are really kept in secret, you would think they do not exist, unlike their counter-parts the seals who are forever glorified by hollywood...delta are quiet, silent and deadly..
God bless Americans
And then we just abandoned our Kurdish friends
Different part of Kurdistan, the ones USA abandoned were rojava kurds/ Syrian occupied Kurdistan
@@jegerbaderkhan71 Thankyou for correcting me. You learn something new everyday
@@eeklarthing6264In Syria, Kurdish forces were promised by the US to be looked out for since they were the biggest US allies in Syria, Later Trump withdrew the US forces and then Turkish forces started bombarding everyone in the Kurdish cities.
That's a proper body search 😅
Lead, Follow, or get the hell out of the way
Talk about a group of people who have earned a country of their own... (The Kurds)
He did write a pamphlet called “Common sense”. Not sure if you guys new about that
Thomas Paine.
👏👍
Post 9/11 - CAG along with JSOC have set the standard when it comes to special operations. No other country comes close. No other country spends the amount of money per operator that we do. Nor does any other country have the talent pool size that we do.
@Shamus Bennett They are equal not better
@shamusbennett758 What's the definintion of "best"...?
Brits don’t have the budget to be the best.
82ND AIRBORNE
Sgt. Wheeler died because he took the lead to salvage the Mission. What a fuqqin Stud!!
When the us knew how to deal with terrorists .such a shame
Kurdistan 🔥🇺🇸
SFOD-D is 1980/90’s term c’mon stop using it
I wish they would make a bullet proof jumpsuit for our men in the service.