Four U.S. Army Reservists Identified After Deadly Iranian Strike

The Pentagon has released the names of four American service members killed in an Iranian attack in Kuwait over the weekend, honoring their courage and sacrifice as the United States continues its military campaign against the Iranian regime.

The fallen soldiers all members of the U.S. Army Reserve were supporting Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing U.S.-led effort targeting Iran’s missile and military capabilities.

Those identified by the Department of War include:

• Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Lakeland, 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 Des Moines, Iowa

All four soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa, and were stationed at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait when the attack occurred.

Two additional U.S. service members were also killed in the strike, though their names have not yet been publicly released as officials notify family members.

The deadly attack happened during an unmanned aircraft system assault, when Iranian forces launched a barrage targeting American assets in the region. Defense officials say most incoming threats were intercepted by U.S. air defense systems, but one missile managed to break through.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth explained how the strike occurred during heavy incoming fire.

“You have air defenses and a lot coming in and you hit most of it,” Hegseth said. “Every once in a while, you might have one unfortunately, we call it a ‘squirter’ that makes its way through.”

“These are powerful weapons,” he added.

The attack underscores the risks faced by American troops deployed across the Middle East as tensions escalate with Iran. The United States currently maintains tens of thousands of troops across the region, including major installations in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

President Donald Trump paid tribute to the fallen soldiers while acknowledging the harsh reality of military operations.

“Our heroes served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation,” Trump said in a statement. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command, echoed that sentiment.

“We honor our fallen heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation,” Harter said. “Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten.”

Each of the soldiers leaves behind a record of service to the country.

Capt. Cody Khork began his military career in the National Guard in 2009 as a Multiple Launch Rocket System fire direction specialist before becoming a commissioned officer in the Army Reserve in 2014. Over the years, he deployed to Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay, and Poland, earning numerous commendations including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor enlisted in the National Guard in 2005 as an automated logistics specialist before transferring to the Army Reserve. She deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019 and earned several awards for her service.

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, a wheeled vehicle mechanic, joined the Army Reserve in 2006 and deployed to Kuwait twice during his career.

Sgt. Declan Coady, just 20 years old, enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as an Army information technology specialist. He was posthumously promoted following his death in the attack.

Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine, commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, offered condolences to the families and fellow soldiers mourning the loss.

“Our nation is kept safe by folks like these brave men and women who put it all on the line every single day,” Erskine said. “We will remember their names, their service, and their sacrifice.”

As Operation Epic Fury continues, military leaders say the mission remains focused on eliminating Iran’s missile and military capabilities while honoring the Americans who gave their lives in service to their country.

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