Joseph William Guyton (June 10, 1889 – May 24, 1918) was the first American soldier killed on German-held soil during World War I.

He was discharging his duties when the Germans returned a barrage of machine gun fire; Guyton was struck in the temple and died instantly.

"General Pershing lists Guyton as killed in action on May 24, 1918, in the Gildwilder Sector in Alsace the day after the unit entered the line of battle.

[citation needed] In May 1921, President Warren G. Harding placed a presidential wreath on the flag-draped coffin of Private Guyton at a funeral ceremony for over 5,000 American war-dead at the army piers, Hoboken, New Jersey.

He spoke these words: "In the name of the republic, I bestow this tribute on the casket of the first soldier who perished on the soil of the enemy...

[citation needed] Within the city of Evart today are a park and highway bridge both dedicated to the memory of Joseph W. Guyton.

[1] An elementary school on the East Side of Detroit, Michigan was built and named in honor of Joseph Guyton.