The Department of War has released the names of four U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who were killed during an Iranian attack in Kuwait over the weekend, honoring their service and sacrifice as the United States continues military operations in the region.
According to the Pentagon, the fallen soldiers are Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39; and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20. All four were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa, and were supporting Operation Epic Fury at the time of the attack.
The service members were killed during an unmanned aircraft system attack that occurred in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. Officials said the investigation into the incident remains ongoing as military leaders work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the strike.
Two additional service members were also killed in the attack, though their identities have not yet been publicly released.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Monday that the deadly strike occurred when an Iranian missile managed to evade U.S. air defense systems during a wave of incoming fire.
“You have air defenses and a lot coming in — and you hit most of it,” Hegseth explained. “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, emphasizing the destructive capability of the missiles used in the attack.
President Donald Trump expressed gratitude and respect for the troops who lost their lives while serving overseas, though he cautioned that the ongoing military operation could result in further losses before it concludes.
Military leaders also paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and their families.
“We honor our fallen heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command. “Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten.”
Capt. Cody A. Khork, a resident of Lakeland, Florida, began his military career in 2009 when he joined the National Guard as a 13P Multiple Launch Rocket System and Fire Direction Specialist. In 2014, he was commissioned as an officer in the Army Reserve and served as a Military Police officer.
Throughout his career, Khork deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2021, and Poland in 2024. His numerous decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, among several others recognizing his years of service.
Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, enlisted in the National Guard in 2005 as an Automated Logistics Specialist before transferring to the Army Reserve the following year. She deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019.
Her awards included the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, along with several ribbons honoring her professional development and overseas service.
Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, a resident of Bellevue, Nebraska, enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2006 as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. During his military career, he completed two deployments to Kuwait, in 2009 and again in 2019.
Tietjens received multiple honors for his service, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star.
Sgt. Declan J. Coady of Des Moines, Iowa, was the youngest of the four soldiers. Originally enlisted as a specialist in 2023 as an Army Information Technology Specialist, he was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant following his death.
Coady’s decorations included the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine, commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, offered condolences to the families and fellow soldiers affected by the tragedy.
“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.”
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