The United States Department of Defense on Tuesday released the names of four U.S. Army Reserve soldiers killed in an Iranian unmanned aircraft system attack on a tactical operations center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.
The soldiers were among six American service members who died when the facility was struck amid escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran.
The deceased were identified as: Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa
According to a Pentagon statement, the four soldiers died Sunday during the drone attack. All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, headquartered in Des Moines.
The names of the two additional service members killed in the strike are being withheld pending notification of their next of kin.
Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of the U.S. Army Reserve and commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve Command, described the fallen as heroes who served with courage and dedication.
“We honor our fallen heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten,” Harter said.
Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine, commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, also extended condolences to the families and colleagues of the soldiers.
“To the families and teammates of these Cactus Nation Soldiers: you have my deepest sympathy and my respect,” Erskine said. “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.”
The United States Central Command initially reported three fatalities on Sunday but later confirmed additional casualties as recovery operations continued at the targeted site.
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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the fallen troops as “the absolute best of America,” pledging continued support for their families.
In a statement, the family of Capt. Khork described him as “truly the life of the party, known for his infectious spirit, generous heart, and deep care for those who served alongside him.”
“He lived with purpose, loved deeply, and served honorably. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched, the example he set, and the love of country and family that defined him,” the statement read.
In a video message released Sunday, Donald Trump expressed condolences to the families of the fallen and warned that further casualties could occur as the conflict continues.
“We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen. And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends,” Trump said.
The attack occurred during Operation Epic Fury, a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign launched earlier this week. The operation reportedly included strikes targeting senior Iranian leadership figures, including Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Iran has since carried out retaliatory strikes against U.S.-allied nations in the region, raising concerns of a broader regional escalation.
Military officials said investigations into the Port Shuaiba attack are ongoing as tensions between the two nations continue to mount.