GOLDSMITH, WYATT

​​Wyatt A. Goldsmith was born September 21, 1982, in Redmond (King County) Washington to John and Lorie Goldsmith, and was the brother to his sister Nichole. He later moved to Colville while in the 6th grade and excelled on the soccer field before graduating from Colville High School in 2001. Wyatt was a long-time member of the 49 Degrees North Ski Patrol, starting at the age of 16, and this is where he gained interest in becoming a first responder. In his time off the mountain, he could often be found reading three books at a time: something like a Stephen King novel, something philosophical like Sophocles, and the Bible.  

SFC Goldsmith entered the U.S. Army in June 2004 as a Special Forces recruit. In October 2004, upon completion of basic training, advanced individual training and the basic airborne course at Fort Benning, Ga. he was assigned to the 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C. SFC Goldsmith attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection in 2005 and was selected to continue his training as medical sergeant in the Special Forces Qualification Course. 

After graduating from the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2008, SFC Goldsmith was assigned to 3rd Bn, 1st SFG (A) Joint Base Lewis-McChord as a Special Forces medical sergeant. 

Known for taking care of others under the most extreme circumstances, Captain Philip Kornachuk wrote “I think about Wyatt daily. His humor, willingness to call BS when he saw it, calm demeanor under fire, his penchant for high quality coffee, cigars and impractically large blades…and had a music collection that “defied any sort of logic.” 

His awards include Bronze Star Medal with ‘V’ Device, Purple Heart, two Army Commendation Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, two Afghan Campaign Medals, three Iraqi Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, Special Forces Tab and Combat Infantryman Badge. 

During his second tour, SFC Goldsmith suffered a gunshot wound to his foot during a late-night firefight; however, he tended to six injured Afghanis before being forced to seek medical help for his own injury. Wyatt was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and promotion to Sergeant First Class. 

SFC Goldsmith was on his third deployment when he died on July 15, 2011, in Helmand Province Afghanistan as a result of the wounds he suffered after an insurgents attacked his unit with rocket propelled grenades. In his last act of heroism, SFC Goldsmith saved the lives of three other men who are still alive to this day.  

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SFC Wyatt A. Goldsmith for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. His life continues to inspire all who learn his story.