U.S. military authorities have confirmed the identities of two additional American service members who lost their lives during Operation Epic Fury, bringing renewed attention to the growing human toll of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The Pentagon reported that Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California, are the fifth and sixth U.S. service members confirmed to have died during military operations connected to the escalating conflict.
According to officials from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), both service members were participating in operations related to the ongoing campaign when they were fatally wounded during Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting U.S. military positions in the region.
Military officials stated that the identities of the service members were released after proper notification of their families, in accordance with Department of Defense policy.
Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, originally from Indianola, Iowa, had served in the United States military for several years and was recognized by colleagues for his leadership and operational experience.
His loss has deeply affected fellow service members and the community where he grew up.
CWO 3 Robert M. Marzan, from Sacramento, California, also had a long career in military service.
As a Chief Warrant Officer 3, Marzan held a senior technical leadership role and was known among peers for his dedication and professionalism.
The deaths of O’Brien and Marzan add to the previously confirmed fatalities from the operation. Earlier reports identified four other U.S. service members who died during the conflict as:
- Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, 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 West Des Moines, Iowa
The six fatalities mark one of the most significant losses for U.S. forces since the start of Operation Epic Fury, a large-scale military campaign launched after escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Officials confirmed that several additional American service members were also injured during Iranian missile and drone attacks across multiple locations in the Middle East, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
President Donald Trump previously acknowledged the growing number of casualties, expressing condolences to the families of the fallen service members and praising their service and sacrifice.
As military operations continue across the region, defense officials say the situation remains fluid, with U.S. forces maintaining a heightened level of readiness while responding to ongoing threats.
Communities across the United States are now mourning the loss of Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, CWO 3 Robert M. Marzan, Capt. Cody A. Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, whose deaths mark a solemn chapter in the expanding conflict.
