Sergeant 1st Class Randy McCaulley died in Iraq near Ramadi on March 23rd after being shot when his dismounted patrol came under fire.

"They encountered some small arms fire, in which he was fatally wounded through the left arm pit, " said Major Richard Collage of the Army National Guard.

The military says 44-year-old of Marion Center, Indiana County, was wearing a helmet and complete body gear.

Collage explained, "Fully protected, but as you know, body armor can't protect everything. He was hit in a vulnerable spot."

McCaulley was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 110 Infantry, based in Indiana. He was posthumously promoted from Staff Sergeant to Sergeant 1st Class and will be awarded the Purple Heart. He's being remembered not only as a brave soldier but also a great friend.

"Randy was always the type cracking jokes and keeping the morale high. He was an incredible friend to have for a good laugh," said Staff Sergeant Shannon Ringler.

McCaulley enlisted in the Army in 1979 and then joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1984. He is survived by his parents James and Donna and his two sons, Cody and Dustin.

Carly Noel, Channel 6 News