(Aired Thu 7/10/25)
Here in Chattanooga, they are known - and will always be known - as “The Fallen Five.”
On July 16th, 2015, five service members of the U.S. military were killed by a gunman at the U.S. Navy Operational Support Center off Amnicola Highway in the worst terror attack in this city’s history.
The five who sacrificed their lives to save others on that day: Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan, Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt, Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist, Lance Cpl. Squire K. “Skip” Wells - all U.S. Marines - and Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall J. Smith, U.S. Navy.
The gunman had struck first at the joint military recruitment center on Lee Highway - injuring Sgt. DeMonte Cheeley, also a Marine - before targeting the operational support center.
During a confrontation with Chattanooga Police, the gunman was fatally shot and an officer was wounded.
In 2019, the Wreath of Honor Fallen Five Memorial was dedicated at Tennessee Riverpark.
On Wednesday, starting at 11 AM at the Memorial, the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council will present a “Ten Year Remembrance Tribute to the Fallen Five.”
Mickey McCamish, a retired U.S. Navy Captain, is with the Council.
