On Tuesday, the Pentagon released the names of four out of the six U.S. service members who tragically lost their lives in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait on Sunday. This incident occurred during the ongoing Operation Epic Fury.
The individuals identified were Capt. Cody Khork, aged 35, from Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, aged 42, from Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, aged 39, from Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan Coady, aged 20, from Iowa. They were targeted in the attack on Port Shuaiba.
All four soldiers were part of the Army Reserve’s 103rd Sustainment Command, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.
The Pentagon has launched an investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack.
According to various reports, the soldiers were operating from a triple-wide trailer that lacked adequate overhead protection when an Iranian kamikaze drone struck directly.
Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, the chief of the Army Reserve and commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve Command, expressed his condolences saying, “Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten.”
âOn behalf of the Army Reserve, we express our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones,â Harter added. âWe remain steadfast in our commitment to honoring the legacy of our fallen and supporting their teammates and families during this difficult time.â
Khork, first enlisted in the National Guard in 2009 as a multiple launch rocket system and fire direction specialist. He was commissioned as a Military Police Officer in the Army Reserve in 2014, and had previously deployed to Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay and Poland.
Khork received numerous awards and decorations while serving the country, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal and Army Superior Unit Award.
Amor enlisted in the National Guard as an automated logistics specialist in 2005 and transferred to the Army Reserve in 2006. She had previously deployed to Kuwait and Iraq.
Amorâs numerous awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal.
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Tietjens enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2006 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. He had twice deployed to Kuwait.
Tietjensâ was also highly-decorated, having received the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
Coady enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as an Army information technology specialist. He was posthumously promoted from specialist after the tragedy.
Coady had received the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
âTo the families and teammates of these Cactus Nation Soldiers: you have my deepest sympathy and my respect,â Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine, the commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, said in a statement. âOur nation is kept safe by folks like these â brave men and women who put it all on the line every single day.
âThey represent the heart of America. We will remember their names, their service, and their sacrifice.â
At least 18 service members have been left seriously wounded as a result of the war with Iran.
CNN reported that before the deadly drone strike in Kuwait, no siren or warning went off alerting troops to take cover.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell has disputed the reports.
âEvery possible measure has been taken to safeguard our troops â at every level,â Parnell wrote on X. âThe Department is prepared for this engagement and has hardened our defenses.
