National

Shane Childers: First U.S. Casualty in Iraq

By Jacki Lyden

Published March 18, 2007 at 1:00 PM PDT

This story was published more than 17 years ago.

Facebook
WhatsApp
Email

Marine 1st Lt. Therrel Shane Childers was killed in Iraq on March 21, 2003.

Marine 1st Lt. Therrel Shane Childers was 30 years old when he was killed in Iraq on March 21, 2003. He was the first U.S. serviceman to die in the Iraq war.

Shane Childers was the son of Joseph and Judy Childers of Powell, Wyo. His father says that Shane was excited about the mission to Iraq, and that it was his dream to lead Marines into combat.

Joseph Childers says he is still supportive of the war in Iraq because it's important to the safety of Americans. He also supports the increase of troops in the region.

Become a KPBS sponsor

At the time of his death, Shane Childers was a 2nd lieutenant. The U.S. Marine Corps promoted him posthumously to the rank of 1st lieutenant.