Six American Service Members Killed Since Start of Iran War: Honoring the Fallen

Since the United States entered the war in Iran on February 28, six American service members have lost their lives in the line of duty. Four of the fallen soldiers were members of a U.S. Army Reserve unit based in Des Moines, Iowa, and all were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command. As of Wednesday, five of the six have been positively identified by the Pentagon. A sixth soldier, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan of Sacramento, California, is believed to have perished at the scene in Kuwait, pending formal identification by a medical examiner.

"These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten," said Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll.

Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35 — Winter Haven, Florida

Born and raised in Winter Haven, Florida, Capt. Cody A. Khork enlisted in the National Guard in 2009 and was commissioned as a military police officer in 2014 after graduating from Florida Southern College. He deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay in 2021, and Poland in 2024. His family remembered him as "very patriotic and the life of the party." Friends described him as easygoing, always smiling, and someone who genuinely looked out for those around him. He earned the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39 — Minnesota

Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor enlisted in the National Guard in 2005 and later transferred to the Army Reserve. She was days away from returning home to her husband Joey and their two children when she was killed. An avid gardener, rollerblader, and bicyclist, Amor previously deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019. "She was almost home," her husband Joey told CBS News Minnesota. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said she "answered the call to serve and gave her life in service to our state and nation."

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42 — Bellevue, Nebraska

A wheeled vehicle mechanic who enlisted in 2006, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens had two previous deployments to Kuwait before his final tour. Nebraska flags were flown at half-staff in his honor. Governor Jim Pillen called his sacrifice one "we must never forget," and Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike noted that Tietjens "dedicated his life to the defense of freedom." He earned the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal.

Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20 — West Des Moines, Iowa

The youngest of the fallen, Sgt. Declan J. Coady was an Eagle Scout, a Drake University sophomore studying cybersecurity, and an Army information technology specialist on his first deployment. He was posthumously promoted to sergeant after being recommended for the honor just one week before his death. "He was very good at what he did," his father Andrew Coady told the Associated Press. His sister Keira said, "I just wish he could have known one more time that we all loved him."

Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien, 45 — Waukee, Iowa

Commissioned in the Army Reserve in 2012, Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien was described by his family as a "loving family man" who was raised on a farm near Monti, Iowa, and always put others ahead of himself. A dedicated Cubs fan and Iowa State University graduate, he is survived by his wife Roxane. His awards include the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54 — Sacramento, California

With more than 30 years of military service, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan was approximately two months away from completing what would have been his final deployment. His niece Irene Mary wrote on Facebook: "You're our Hero with a servant's heart, you lead with love and bravery." His brother Vic Marzan said simply: "My brother died for our country. He was a lifetime serviceman." Marzan is survived by his wife and two children.

The nation mourns the loss of these six brave individuals, each of whom answered their country's call with courage, honor, and selfless dedication.