Our Latest American Hero #47

rhettwschiller
Originally uploaded by Randuwa.

Army Capt. Rhett W. Schiller, 26, Wisconsin; died Thursday in Balad Ruz from small arms fire; assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

“Wisconsin Soldier Killed”

WASHINGTON D.C. - The Department of Defense Friday announced the death of a Wisconsin soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A paratrooper, Capt. Rhett W. Schiller, 26, of Waterford, died Thursday in Balad Ruz, Iraq, of injuries suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations. He was the executive officer of the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

"Capt. Rhett W. Schiller was an outstanding young officer," said his squadron commander, Lt. Col. Andrew Poppas in a statement. "Consistently caring for his soldiers and always leading through his own example, Rhett raised the spirits and motivation of all those that knew him," said Poppas. "His humble manner and friendly smile will truly be missed.  He will forever be a distinguished member of this Squadron."

Schiller was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry upon graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in May 2003. 

He completed basic training and ranger school at Fort Benning, Ga., and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division upon completion. He was a platoon leader in Company B, 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and later the executive officer for Company A.

Schiller deployed to New Orleans in support of the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in September 2005. He deployed to Iraq with his unit in August.

"Rhett was the epitome of the Army officer and an Airborne Ranger; he always led form the front and gave a 110 percent in all he did," said Capt. John Carson, his troop commander.