The Pentagon released the names of four American soldiers killed Sunday when an Iranian kamikaze drone struck their military facility in Kuwait during Operation Epic Fury, marking one of the deadliest single attacks in the escalating conflict with Iran.

Fallen Heroes Identified

Captain Cody Khork, 35, of Florida; Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Nebraska; Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor, 39, of Minnesota; and Sergeant Declan Coady, 20, of Iowa, died when the drone struck their position at Port Shuaiba. All four served with the Army Reserve’s 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa. Two additional service members killed in the attack have not yet been identified publicly.

Reports indicate the soldiers were working inside a triple-wide trailer without adequate overhead protection when the Iranian drone scored a direct hit. No warning sirens alerted troops to take cover before the strike, according to CNN, though Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell disputed those claims on social media, stating every possible measure has been taken to safeguard American forces.

Distinguished Service Records

Captain Khork enlisted in 2009 and deployed to Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay, and Poland during his military career. He earned the Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal among other honors. Sergeant First Class Amor joined in 2005 and served in both Kuwait and Iraq, receiving the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal. Sergeant First Class Tietjens, who enlisted in 2006 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic, deployed twice to Kuwait.

Sergeant Coady, the youngest victim, enlisted in 2023 as an information technology specialist and received a posthumous promotion from specialist. His decorations include the Army Service Ribbon and National Defense Service Ribbon.

Growing Casualties in Iranian Conflict

The Pentagon confirmed at least 18 American service members have suffered serious wounds since the beginning of military operations against Iran. Major General Todd Erskine, commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, praised the fallen soldiers as representatives of the heart of America who put everything on the line daily. Lieutenant General Robert Harter pledged the Army Reserve remains committed to honoring their legacy and supporting families during this difficult period. The incident remains under active investigation by Pentagon officials.