Joseph E. Proctor, a U.S. Army sergeant and WCHS graduate of 1987, was killed in action on May 3, 2006, at Tammin, Iraq, and was awarded the Silver Star. During an attack, a dump truck packed with an estimated 350 pounds of explosives charged a strong point and breached the wall. Before it could reach the barracks area where dozens slept, Sergeant Joe Proctor opened fire on the truck as it bore down on him, shot the driver dead, and brought the vehicle to a stop. Seconds later, the truck detonated, killing Sergeant Proctor and Marine Corps Captain Brian Letendre instantly. He was remembered as a man who told it like it was and who died with courage and strength.