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BORN
1916
DIED
2025
Joe Harris Obituary
Sgt. Joe Harris, a veteran of the U.S. Army's first all-Black parachute infantry battalion who is thought to have been the oldest surviving World War II paratrooper, died March 15, 2025, in a hospital in Los Angeles at the age of 108.
Harris joined the military in 1941, at a time when it was still racially segregated. He soon became part of the historic 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, nicknamed the Triple Nickles, an all-Black battalion tasked with protecting the U.S. from Japanese balloon bombs used to attack the U.S. mainland. Harris had over 72 combat jumps and worked to fight fires on the west coast. He joined the U.S. Border Patrol after leaving the Army.
Honors poured in for Harris on social media. User Michael King said on Facebook, "What this man saw, some of us can only imagine. Thank you Sgt. Harris, for your service and your sacrifice." Another, using the name TO Doc, said, "Being a Black Paratrooper, I will always remember what you and your unit did to make history and never forget what you did. Thank you Brother."
(Image: Beyond the Call)
47 Entries
Sarah Brown
November 21, 2025
Praying For Your Family And Friends Thank You Sir For Your Services
James Saunders
November 19, 2025
From one ex-SSgt to another sergeant: RIP sir. Your contributions to our nation will never be forgotten. We'll take the watch from here.
Sarah Brown
November 14, 2025
Thank You Sir For Your Services
Kees
November 13, 2025
Thank you because of our freedom we have got by you and your friend on duty.
How you can show support
Oree McKenzie
November 13, 2025
Thank you. sir. You made the way, All The Way!
Rose Anna Treadway
November 12, 2025
My deepest sympathy to his family. Thank you for your Service. God blessed him with over 100 years down here on this earth. Rest well, you have earned your wings.
Treadway/Barbee Family
Alice Leeds
November 11, 2025
Thank you for protecting our freedom, Mr. Harris. I hope that your long life was filled with grace. May your memory be a blessing to your family.
Douglas S. Hulbert
November 11, 2025
I only wish I could have thanked you for your service in person. Rest in peace.
Bob Wirts
November 11, 2025
God Bless you Sgt Harris. You paved the way and will be rewarded in Heaven. To your family, I am truly sorry for your loss, I wish I could have met this fine man.
Deborah Skerencak
November 11, 2025
Thank you for all you did to keep us safe during the war. I was born in 1957 but I believe with all my heart that I have my freedom because of everything that you did for the United States.
Allen Tezeno
November 11, 2025
Thank you for your Service!! God look over the family!
Jim Anderson
November 11, 2025
Rest in peace, Airborne.
Peter J Joyce
November 11, 2025
God bless you sir.
Ret-MSG Tammy Harrison Edwards
July 22, 2025
Thank you for your all your achievement and service to our country. I salute you my veteran and take your rest in peace.
Karen Ansel
July 20, 2025
Thank you, Sir.
1SG (R) RUFFIN J.C. SR.
May 29, 2025
REST EASY PARATROOPER....ATWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!
Rose Anna Treadway
April 24, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family. I thank you so very much for serving our country.
Rose Anna Treadway
Brennen Garcia
April 22, 2025
I will missed you. Rest in Peace
Sherry Corley
April 22, 2025
Only God knows what you had to endure...rest on dear brother and "Thanks" for a job well done and a life lived by example!!!
Johnnie Brown jr.
April 21, 2025
Condolences to the Family.
"may the Lord bless and keep
You in perfect peace"
Thank you Sgt Joe for you services!
Former Vietnam combat veteran
Johnnie Brown jr. 1966 Vietnam (PurpleHeart)
William A Black
April 21, 2025
Much respect from Indiana, God Bless him..Bill Black
Johnny jordan
April 21, 2025
Sleep n peace, Sgt.Harris,I can't imagine, the trails and tribulations that u and others like you went through, just too wear the uniform. And be a paratrooper at that!! Thank U, for paving the way!! Thank u for your services
Sheila Liptak
April 20, 2025
My condolences to you Joe on the loss of your brother and to your family.
Missy
April 20, 2025
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. A true hero!
Missy, Indiana
Mike Massey
April 20, 2025
As a nephew of a member of the 505th PIR who fought throughout Europe from `43 through `45, I especially revere the paratrooper units of WWII. Bravery and service personified characterized them all.
Thomas Folan
April 20, 2025
Rest in peace Joe Harris. Thank you for your sacrifice for serving in America´s Army as a paratrooper.
Thomas Folan
Brenda June McGuire
April 19, 2025
HE WAS A PARATROOPER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
Ret-MSG Tammy Harrison Edwards and Family
April 19, 2025
Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences and prayers to the family and relatives and friends.
Jeremy Wells
April 19, 2025
My condolences to your family. May you reflect on Joe´s loving qualities to bring you comfort. May you also draw comfort from our Heavenly Father.
Brenda Mahone
April 19, 2025
RIP Mr. Harris. You are a reminder that blacks, women, and minorities cannot be erased from our history. Thank you!
John Smith
April 19, 2025
Condolences from the Smith family.
Mary L. Hulsey
April 18, 2025
Thank you Mr. Harris for your service to our country. My sincere condolences to your family for their loss. May you rest in peace.
Dr. Stuart Cantor
April 17, 2025
Thanks for your service & for protecting the USA, even though u weren´t appreciated cuz of your skin color, God saw your sacrifices & I hope he has rewarded u with a crown of glory
Shawneequa Samuels-Sims
April 17, 2025
Thank you for your service to the country. RIP sir.
Jacqui
April 17, 2025
Thank you so very very much for you time, energy and just being a black man. Peace be with you.
Elizabeth Bell
April 16, 2025
RIP Joe
Elaina Adams
April 16, 2025
Thank you so very much for your service, Mr. Harris. I know you will be deeply missed. To Mr. Harris's family, I offer you my deepest condolences. I know how you feel. I lost my grandfather this past week. I can tell that he was a brave and good man. I hope you find comfort in God. Remember, Mr. Harris has a special place with God, we all do.
Richard Mccarthy
April 16, 2025
You are a true hero and american patriot God bless you and Rip
K.R.
April 16, 2025
To an American soldier (WW2): Who fought where he was needed and fought bravely, May you you rest in peace. To Sgt. Joe Harris' Family, you have our prayers and thoughts. God Bless you and his legacy. KR
Yolanda
April 16, 2025
Thank you for your service. Rest in peace my friend......
JK
April 16, 2025
Thank you for your service. You will be greatly missed and remembered for your bravery and sacrifice. Rest in peace in heaven forever.
Diana Patton
April 15, 2025
Joe Harris was a hero in World War Two. My condolences to his family. He was a brave man.
Jack Barrett
April 15, 2025
Thank you for your service and being part of the greatest generation who fought back evil and saved the world
jd littell
April 15, 2025
Chris
April 15, 2025
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Mr Harris. What a beautiful legacy he had the world and his family. May your fond memories and the comfort from God help you cope during this most difficult time.
Marine Corps brother
April 15, 2025
Rest in peace Soldier.
Mr. Jr.
April 15, 2025
My condolences.
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