U.S. defense officials have released the identities of four American service members who died during Operation Epic Fury, the military campaign carried out amid escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
According to U.S. military authorities, the fallen troops were killed while deployed as part of operations responding to Iranian military actions in the region. The Department of Defense confirmed the names after their families were notified.
The service members who lost their lives were identified as Captain Cody A. Khork, 35, from Winter Haven, Florida; Sergeant First Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, from Bellevue, Nebraska; Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, from White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Sergeant Declan J. Coady, 20, from West Des Moines, Iowa.
Military officials said the four soldiers were part of U.S. forces operating in the Middle East when the casualties occurred.
The deaths happened during combat conditions connected to the broader conflict that intensified following the joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iranian military infrastructure.
Those strikes targeted facilities connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other strategic sites.
The operation was launched after intelligence assessments indicated threats posed by Iranian military assets and leadership structures.
Following the attacks, Iran launched missile and drone strikes toward locations linked to U.S. forces and allied countries across the region.
Several military installations and defense systems were activated as part of the response to those attacks.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that American forces in the region remain on high alert as Operation Epic Fury continues. Officials have also warned that the security situation across the Middle East remains volatile.
Leaders and communities in Florida, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa have begun honoring the memory of Capt. Cody A. Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, recognizing their military service and sacrifice.
Defense officials said further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident will be released as the military continues its investigation.
Meanwhile, tributes from fellow service members and government leaders continue to recognize the dedication of the four soldiers who died while serving their country.
