The Pentagon on Tuesday identified four of the six US service members killed by an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait on Sunday during Operation Epic Fury.
Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Florida.; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Nebraska.; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, Iowa, died in the attack on Port Shuaiba.
The soldiers were all assigned to the Army Reserve’s 103rd Sustainment Command, which is based in Des Moines, Iowa.
The incident is under investigation, according to the Pentagon.
The soldiers were reportedly working out of a triple-wide trailer without strong protection from an overhead attack when their structure took a direct hit from the Iranian kamikaze drone, according to multiple reports.
“Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten,” Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, the chief of the Army Reserve and commanding general of the US Army Reserve Command, said in a statement.
“On behalf of the Army Reserve, we express our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones,” Harter added. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to honoring the legacy of our fallen and supporting their teammates and families during this difficult time.”
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.
Amor’s 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.
Tietjens’ 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.
“To the families and teammates of these Cactus Nation Soldiers: you have my deepest sympathy and my respect,” Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine, the commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, said in a statement. “Our nation is kept safe by folks like these — brave men and women who put it all on the line every single day.
“They represent the heart of America. We will remember their names, their service, and their sacrifice.”
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.
”Every possible measure has been taken to safeguard our troops — at every level,” Parnell wrote on X. “The Department is prepared for this engagement and has hardened our defenses.
