Pentagon reveals identities of 4 of 6 service members killed in Iran war by drone strike in Kuwait

Families across multiple states mourn after the Pentagon names four Army Reservists killed by an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait amid the Iran war
PUBLISHED MAR 4, 2026
Capt Cody Khork, Sgt 1st Class Noah Tietjens, Sgt 1st Class Nicole Amor, and Sgt Declan Coady were killed in Kuwait (US Army Reserve)
Capt Cody Khork, Sgt 1st Class Noah Tietjens, Sgt 1st Class Nicole Amor, and Sgt Declan Coady were killed in Kuwait (US Army Reserve)


WASHINGTON, DC: Four of the six US troops killed in a recent drone strike in Kuwait have now been publicly identified by the Pentagon. The announcement on Tuesday, March 3, marks the first US deaths linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The fallen service members were Army Reserve personnel from different states. They served in logistics roles, ensuring frontline forces received food, equipment, and other essential supplies.

The troops were killed on Sunday, March 1, when a drone struck a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. The attack came one day after US and Israeli military operations against Iran began. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel as well as several Gulf nations hosting US forces.

Trace of an air defense missile interception during an Iranian attack is seen over Jerusalem's Old City, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
Smoke from an air defense missile interception was seen over Jerusalem during the Iranian attack on March 1, 2026 (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

4 out of 6 service members killed in the Kuwait drone attack

The Department of Defense has confirmed the identities of four of the six American service members who lost their lives in the drone attack. Two additional names are being withheld until their families are notified.

Those killed were Captain Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sergeant 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sergeant 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Sergeant Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was posthumously promoted from specialist. No other names were released.

All four served with the 103rd Sustainment Command, an Army Reserve unit that supports deployed forces by supplying food, fuel, water, ammunition, transportation equipment, and other critical materials.

“These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll said.

A black plume of smoke rises from a warehouse at the industrial area of Sharjah City in the United Arab Emirates following reports of Iranian strikes in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Black smoke rose from a warehouse in Sharjah, UAE, after reported Iranian strikes on March 1, 2026 (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Speaking about the deceased, Nicole Amor was just days from returning home to her husband and two children at the time of the attack. “You don't go to Kuwait thinking something's going to happen, and for her to be one of the first—it hurts,” her husband, Joey Amor, said Tuesday, as per PBS.

Declan Coady was studying at Drake University and worked as an information technology specialist in the Army Reserve. Nebraska Senator Pete Ricketts said he and his wife are very sad about Noah Tietjens’ death and are praying for his family. Social media shows he was married and had a small son.

Iran drone attack on Arifjan airbase in Kuwait

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said Tuesday that it carried out drone and missile attacks against US forces in the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry said two drones hit the US Embassy, causing a limited fire and minor damage. Smoke was seen rising over Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter after the explosions.

The US Embassy issued a shelter-in-place advisory for Americans and temporarily closed the mission following the attack. The reported strikes occurred as US and Israel continue military operations against Iran.

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

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