Tributes are pouring in across the United States after the Pentagon identified four American service members killed in a deadly drone strike in Kuwait. The attack, blamed on Iranian forces, marked the first U.S. military deaths in the ongoing conflict with Iran. The soldiers were serving overseas as part of an Army Reserve unit when the strike hit their operations center.
Four U.S. Soldiers Identified After Deadly Drone Strike
The Pentagon confirmed the identities of four of the six U.S. service members killed during a drone strike on Sunday at Shuaiba Port in Kuwait.
The soldiers were identified as:
- Capt. Cody Khork, 35
- Sgt. Declan Coady, 20
- Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39
- Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42
Two other soldiers killed in the attack have not yet been publicly identified.
All four served in the 103rd Sustainment Command, an Army Reserve unit based in Iowa. They were working at a fortified tactical operations center when a projectile managed to penetrate air defenses and strike the facility.
Defense officials said the attack occurred suddenly and without warning.
Attack Marks First U.S. Deaths in Conflict With Iran
The deadly strike represents the first American casualties in the current war involving Iran.
According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the soldiers were stationed at a tactical operations center when the drone strike occurred.
President Donald Trump later warned that additional casualties could occur as the conflict continues.
Speaking in a phone interview, Trump said the country may face further losses as military operations against Iran escalate.
Soldiers Honored for Their Service
Military leaders and officials described the fallen soldiers as dedicated service members who sacrificed their lives while serving their country.
Brig. Gen. Clint A. Barnes, deputy commanding general of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, praised the soldiers for serving “relentlessly, consistently, and fearlessly.”
He said their commitment to duty and willingness to deploy far from home demonstrated the courage and dedication of the U.S. military.
Capt. Cody Khork
Capt. Cody Khork, originally from Lakeland, Florida, began his military career in 2009 when he enlisted in the National Guard.
He later became a military police officer in the Army Reserve and served in several overseas deployments, including missions in Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay, and Poland.
His family described him as someone whose life was built around service and caring for others.
They said he was known for his outgoing personality, generous spirit, and strong dedication to the people around him.
Khork also held a degree in political science and had a deep interest in history and public service.
Throughout his career, he earned several awards, including:
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Army Commendation Medal
- Joint Service Achievement Medal
Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor
Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, began her military career in 2005 as an automated logistics specialist.
She transferred to the Army Reserve the following year and had previously deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019.
Amor was also a mother of two children and was just days away from returning home when the attack occurred.
Her husband said he had spoken with her only hours before the strike.
“She was almost home,” he said, describing the heartbreaking moment when she stopped responding the following morning.
Her awards included the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal.
Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens
Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, from Bellevue, Nebraska, joined the Army Reserve in 2006 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic.
He had previously deployed to Kuwait in 2009 and 2019 before returning again for his latest assignment.
Fellow soldiers described him as someone who always helped others and served as a mentor within the military.
Outside the military, Tietjens was active in a local martial arts studio where he earned a black belt in Taekwondo and served as an instructor.
The studio described him as a devoted father and husband, noting that he truly lived the values represented by his black belt.
Community members have since created a college fund for his son.
Sgt. Declan Coady
Sgt. Declan Coady, from Des Moines, Iowa, was the youngest of the soldiers killed in the attack.
He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as an information technology specialist.
After his death, he was posthumously promoted from specialist to sergeant.
Coady was also studying information systems, cybersecurity, and computer science at Drake University.
University officials described him as a dedicated student who was well respected by classmates and faculty.
Leaders and Communities Pay Tribute
Leaders across several states have expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen praised Tietjens for stepping forward to defend the country, calling his service a sacrifice that must never be forgotten.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds also honored Sgt. Declan Coady, saying he answered the nation’s call to duty and gave his life in service.
Across the country, tributes continue to honor the soldiers who lost their lives during the attack
