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Princeton Today
By the People, for the People
Minnesota Soldier Severely Injured in Kuwait Drone Strike Shares Story
Sgt. Cory Hicks recounts the night he lost six of his battle buddies and suffered life-threatening injuries.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:21pm
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The haunting aftermath of a deadly drone strike leaves a soldier's personal effects as a somber reminder of the human toll of war.Princeton TodaySgt. Cory Hicks, a soldier from Princeton, Minnesota, was severely injured in a deadly drone strike on his base in Kuwait during the war with Iran. Hicks lost six of his fellow soldiers in the attack and suffered a traumatic brain injury, lacerated kidney, severed spleen, and shrapnel wounds to his face. He is now recovering at Walter Reed Hospital and sharing his story of survival and the invisible wounds of war.
Why it matters
Hicks' story sheds light on the human toll of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the challenges faced by service members and their families when dealing with both physical and psychological injuries sustained in combat. His experience highlights the need for continued support and resources for wounded warriors and their loved ones.
The details
On the first night of the war with Iran, a drone strike hit Hicks' base in Kuwait, killing six of his fellow soldiers who were sitting close to him. Hicks suffered life-threatening injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, lacerated kidney, severed spleen, and shrapnel wounds to his face. He spent time in intensive care and is now assigned to the soldier recovery unit at Walter Reed Hospital, where he is working to overcome his physical and invisible wounds.
- The drone strike occurred on the first night of the war with Iran.
- Hicks is now recovering at Walter Reed Hospital.
The players
Sgt. Cory Hicks
A soldier from Princeton, Minnesota, who was severely injured in a deadly drone strike on his base in Kuwait during the war with Iran.
Master Sgt. Nicole Amor
One of Hicks' battle buddies who was killed in the drone strike in Kuwait.
Shanyn Hicks
Sgt. Cory Hicks' wife, who also serves in the military and is his rock during his recovery.
What they’re saying
“I lost six of my battle buddies who were sitting pretty close to me and that's a struggle within itself. The invisible wounds are hard to heal.”
— Sgt. Cory Hicks, Soldier
“Raising your right hand with the oath, so does it stink not having him home here with us when he is so darn close, yes, but I have to be mindful that we are lucky he is still here with us.”
— Shanyn Hicks, Sgt. Cory Hicks' Wife
What’s next
Hicks continues his recovery at Walter Reed Hospital, where he is working to overcome his physical and psychological injuries sustained in the drone strike. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Hicks and his family during this time.
The takeaway
Sgt. Cory Hicks' story serves as a powerful reminder of the immense sacrifices made by service members and their families during times of war. His experience highlights the need for continued support and resources for wounded warriors as they navigate the physical and emotional challenges of recovery.