Six U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iran Conflict

Since the start of the conflict with Iran on Saturday, six American service members have been killed, including a Minnesota mother of two, an Iowa college student, and a Florida native remembered by his family as the “life of the party.” Five of the fallen service members have been positively identified as of Wednesday, all members of the U.S. Army Reserve. The Pentagon announced Wednesday that Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California, “is believed to be” the sixth soldier who “perished at the scene” in Kuwait, with positive identification pending a medical examiner’s report.

The Fallen Soldiers

Captain Cody A. Khork

Captain Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, enlisted in the National Guard in 2009 as a multiple launch rocket system/fire detection specialist. He was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, responsible for providing essential supplies. Military Times reports Khork graduated from Florida Southern College in 2014 and was commissioned as a military police officer in the Army Reserve that same year.

He had previous deployments to Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay in 2021, and Poland in 2024. His awards include the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. Friends remember him as a kind and easygoing person who always looked out for others. His family described him as “very patriotic and the life of the party,” according to CBS News Miami.

Sergeant 1st Class Nicole M. Amor

Sergeant 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of Minnesota, was days away from ending her deployment and returning home to her husband and two children. CBS News Minnesota reports she enlisted in the National Guard in 2005, transferring to the Army Reserve in 2006. She previously deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019 and earned the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, and Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal.

Senator Amy Klobuchar paid tribute to Amor on Instagram, describing her as an avid gardener. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated that Amor “answered the call to serve” and that Minnesotans were united in grief. Her husband told CBS News Minnesota, “She was almost home.”

Sergeant 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens

Sergeant 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska, enlisted as a wheeled vehicle mechanic in 2006 and had two previous deployments to Kuwait in 2009, and 2019. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. Nebraska Public Media reports Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike said Tietjens was married.

Nebraska flags were flown at half-staff in his honor, and Governor Jim Pillen stated he and his wife were “deeply saddened” by his death.

Sergeant Declan J. Coady

Sergeant Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, was an Eagle Scout who graduated high school in 2023 and enlisted in the Army Reserve as an Army information technology specialist. He was a sophomore at Drake University studying cybersecurity and taking online classes while deployed. KCCI reports he was promoted to sergeant posthumously.

His father told the Associated Press that his son was highly regarded by his instructors. His sister told KCCI, “I still don’t fully think it’s real.” Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds mourned the loss of a “heroic” Iowan.

Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien

Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa, commissioned in the Army Reserve as a Signal Corps officer in 2012 and deployed to Kuwait in 2019. His awards include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California, is believed to have died at the scene of the attack. The Los Angeles Times reports his brother stated, “My brother died for our country. He was a lifetime serviceman. Loved his family and country.” His niece wrote on Facebook that he had served in the Army for over 30 years and was nearing the conclude of his final deployment.

“We honor our fallen heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve, in a statement. “Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten.”