US Soldiers Killed in Iran War Remembered for Service and Family Devotion

Four of the six U.S. soldiers killed in the conflict have been identified by the Pentagon as members of the Army Reserve.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Four of the six U.S. soldiers killed in the recent Iran war have been identified by the Pentagon as members of the Army Reserve. The soldiers, including Sgt. Declan Coady, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, Capt. Cody Khork, and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, were remembered for their service, patriotism, and devotion to their families.

Why it matters

The deaths of these soldiers highlight the human toll of the conflict with Iran, which has escalated tensions in the region. Their stories provide a glimpse into the lives and sacrifices of those serving in the U.S. military.

The details

The soldiers were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait. Sgt. Amor was just days away from returning home to her husband and two children, while Capt. Khork was described as deeply patriotic and committed to serving his country. Sgt. Tietjens was a loving father and husband, and Sgt. Coady had recently been recommended for a promotion.

  • The drone strike that killed the six soldiers occurred on Sunday.

The players

Sgt. Declan Coady

A 20-year-old soldier from West Des Moines, Iowa, who was recently recommended for a promotion to sergeant.

Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor

A 39-year-old soldier from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, who was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending time with her husband and two children.

Capt. Cody Khork

A 35-year-old soldier from Winter Haven, Florida, who was described as deeply patriotic and committed to serving his country.

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens

A 42-year-old soldier from Bellevue, Nebraska, who was a loving father and husband and an instructor in Philippine Combatives and Taekwondo.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She was almost home. You don't go to Kuwait thinking something's going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts.”

— Joey Amor, Husband of Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor

“He trained hard, he worked hard, his physical fitness was important to him. He loved being a soldier. He was also one of the most kindest people you would ever meet, and he would do anything and everything for anyone.”

— Andrew Coady, Father of Sgt. Declan Coady

“That commitment helped shape the course of his life and reflected the deep sense of duty that was always at the core of who he was.”

— Donna Burhans, James Khork, and Stacey Khork, Family of Capt. Cody Khork

What’s next

The Pentagon is expected to release more details about the soldiers' service and the circumstances of their deaths in the coming days.

The takeaway

The stories of these fallen soldiers serve as a somber reminder of the human cost of war and the sacrifices made by those who serve in the U.S. military to protect their country.