Operation Epic Fury: U.S. Service Member Deaths Reach At Least 13

As of March 15, 2026, at least 13 U.S. Service members have been confirmed dead as a result of Operation Epic Fury, the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran. The casualties occurred primarily due to enemy attacks in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, including unmanned aircraft system attacks and incoming munitions.

Recent Fatalities

The most recent confirmed death is that of Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky, who died on March 8, 2026, from wounds sustained in an enemy attack on March 1, 2026, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia. Pennington was a member of the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, Fort Carson, Colorado. Military.com is maintaining a list of confirmed deaths.

Earlier Casualties

Other service members killed in action include:

• Sergeant 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska, died on March 1, 2026, at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, as a result of an unmanned aircraft system attack. He was a member of the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa.
• Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, also died on March 1, 2026, at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, due to an unmanned aircraft system attack. He was a member of the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa.

Previously, three U.S. Service members were reported killed on March 1, 2026, and another died of injuries sustained during the initial attacks. CBS News reported that U.S. Forces recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted-for service members from a facility struck during Iran’s initial attacks.

Operation Epic Fury Overview

Operation Epic Fury is a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that as of March 1, three U.S. Service members had been killed in action and five were seriously wounded. As of Monday, March 3, 2026, a total of 18 U.S. Service members had been seriously wounded.

Further Developments

President Trump stated that he expects more American casualties but that combat operations will continue until all objectives are achieved. CBS News reported that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, was killed in the strikes.

Ongoing Situation

Major combat operations are ongoing, and the identities of the fallen service members are being withheld for 24 hours to allow for notification of next of kin. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as they become available.