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Heartbreaking decision made about US soldier pictured among first four troops to die in Iran drone attack
The Pentagon has identified four of the six American service members killed in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait during Operation Epic Fury.
The deadly attack happened Sunday at Port Shuaiba, where a kamikaze drone struck a structure being used by US troops. On Tuesday, officials confirmed the identities of four of the fallen soldiers.
Those killed were 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, of Iowa.
All four soldiers were assigned to the Army Reserve’s 103rd Sustainment Command, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. The Pentagon confirmed the incident remains under investigation.
Following the tragedy, Coady was posthumously promoted from specialist.
His awards include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon, per the New York Post.
Iranian drone strike hits US position in Kuwait
Reports indicate the troops were operating from a triple-wide trailer that reportedly lacked significant protection against an overhead attack.
Multiple reports state the structure sustained a direct hit from the Iranian kamikaze drone.
The strike marks one of the deadliest incidents involving US forces in the region since the outbreak of the war with Iran.
At least 18 additional service members were reportedly left seriously wounded following the attack.
According to CNN, troops at the site did not receive a warning siren or alert instructing them to take cover before the drone struck.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell has disputed those 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."
Army Reserve leaders honor the fallen soldiers
Military leaders paid tribute to the service members following confirmation of their deaths.
“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.”
Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine, the commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, also paid tribute to the fallen troops.
“To the families and teammates of these Cactus Nation Soldiers: you have my deepest sympathy and my respect,” Erskine 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.”
Who were the four US service members killed
Capt. Cody Khork first enlisted in the National Guard in 2009 as a multiple launch rocket system and fire direction specialist. He was later commissioned as a Military Police Officer in the Army Reserve in 2014.
During his military career, Khork deployed to Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay and Poland.
His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal and Army Superior Unit Award.
Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor began her military service in 2005 when she enlisted in the National Guard as an automated logistics specialist. She transferred to the Army Reserve in 2006.
Amor had previously deployed to Kuwait and Iraq.
Her awards include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal.
Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2006 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic.
He deployed to Kuwait twice during his military career.
Tietjens received numerous decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
Sgt. Declan Coady enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as an Army information technology specialist.