US Army/Master Sgt. Vin Stevens Army Pfc. Glendon Oakley, a native of Killeen, Texas, and an automated logistical specialist assigned to 504th Composite Supply Company, 142nd Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, 1st Armoured Division Sustainment Brigade, helped children to safety during the shooting in El Paso, Texas, August 3, 2019.

Army Pvt. Glendon Oakley Jr., 23, was found dead in his quarters at Fort Bliss this week, base officials told Insider in an emailed statement Friday.

The soldier had been praised for his heroism during a mass shooting in El Paso, Texas last August and even received the Army Commendation Medal for his actions.

Fort Bliss officials said that Oakley’s death is under investigation by Army Criminal Investigation Command. Foul play is not currently suspected.

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A US soldier whose heroism during a tragic mass shooting made headlines around the country was found dead at Fort Bliss Wednesday, base officials told Insider in a statement Friday.

Army Pvt. Glendon Oakley Jr. was a 23-year-old Texas native who served as automated supply logistical specialist assigned to the 504th Composite Supply Company, 142nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Armoured Division Sustainment Brigade.

His death is under investigation by Army Criminal Investigation Command special agents. Fort Bliss officials said that no foul play is suspected at this time.

In the wake of a mass shooting in El Paso, Texas last August that left 22 people dead, Oakley emerged a hero after he led children to safety. The horrific incident shook Oakley, who told reporters it “was the worst thing I’ve ever been through in my life.”

AP Photo/Evan Vucci President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump talk with Army Pfc. Glendon Oakley, right, as they visit the El Paso Regional Communications Centre after meeting with people affected by the El Paso mass shooting, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, in El Paso, Texas.

When a gunman opened fire at an El Paso Walmart on August 3, Oakley was shopping at the Cielo Vista Mall nearby. Springing into action, he guided scared, unattended children to police officers outside.

“You could hear all of the chaos going around, and that is when I did what I was trained to do,” he said in one interview. “I quickly reacted and I thought to myself if my child were there how I would want someone else to react. I just took action and tried to get as many kids as possible.”

In talks with reporters after the shooting, Oakley broke down in tears. “It hurts me,” he said at one point. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his actions.

Two months after the shooting, the soldier was arrested for desertion. Before that, Oakley held the rank of private first class. At the time of his death, however, he was a private.

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