The Pentagon this week identified three American service members who were killed, and a fourth believed to have been killed, in the Middle East over the past week amid an escalation in attacks between the United States and Iranian forces. Their deaths bring the number of US troops killed since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February to 18, and hundreds of troops have also been injured, including nearly 100 since 7 July alone. The Pentagon has said that 96% of the nearly 100 injured since early July have since returned to duty. On Wednesday, Donald Trump attended the dignified transfer of the US service members at Dover airforce base in Delaware.
Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30
On Tuesday, the Pentagon announced the death of Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, who was an active-duty soldier supporting overseas operations in Iraq. Swinton was killed in action in northern Iraq over the weekend during the disposal of a downed Iranian one-way attack drone at Erbil airbase. The incident, described as a controlled detonation, is under investigation. Swinton was assigned to D battery, 2nd battalion, 55th air defense artillery regiment, 108th air defense artillery brigade at Fort Bragg. His wife, Mia Gonzalez-Swinton, described him as an amazing man who loved hard for everyone in his life. He leaves behind two children: a four-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son. The US army said Swinton would be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant. His mother, Christel Swinton Andujar, said he could light up any room and was a true jokester. She added that his greatest love was his family.
First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25
First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, was supporting operations in Jordan and was killed in an Iranian attack at Muwaffaq Salti airbase last week. Feehan enlisted in 2019 as a combat engineer and later commissioned as an air defense artillery officer in 2024. He was assigned to 2nd battalion, 55th air defense artillery regiment, 32nd army air and missile defense command, as a platoon leader at Fort Bragg. The US army said Feehan would be posthumously promoted to captain. Southern Utah University stated that Feehan was both a graduate and current MBA student, just weeks away from earning his degree, which will be awarded posthumously. His parents, Shari and Stephen Feehan, said their hearts are shattered. They noted that he packed more living into 25 years than most people manage in a lifetime, including reaching Everest Base Camp and walking the Camino de Santiago. He leaves behind his parents, fiancée, four sets of grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Law school was next on his list. The family is building a scholarship in his name.
Private Isabella Gonzales, 19
Private Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, was also killed in the Iranian attack at Muwaffaq Salti airbase. She was assigned to 1st battalion, 57th air defense artillery regiment, 52nd air defense artillery brigade, 10th army air missile defense command in Ansbach, Germany. Gonzales graduated from Hebron high school in 2025 and joined the US army after. The Lewisville independent school district expressed heartbreak over her loss. Anthony Tapia, 21, who met Gonzales in Germany and began dating her in February, described her as one of the most incredible people he had ever met, funny, playful, and full of life. They had plans for marriage and a future together. Tapia said there are no words to describe the pain of losing someone he loved so deeply. According to ABC News, Gonzales was posthumously promoted to private first class.
Sergeant Angel S Rampersad, 28
The Pentagon announced that Sgt Angel S Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York, is believed to have been killed in action during the attack at Muwaffaq Salti airbase. She was assigned to 1st battalion, 57th air defense artillery regiment, 52nd air defense artillery brigade, 10th army air and missile defense command in Ansbach, Germany. Pesach Osina, a state assembly candidate, said Rampersad was truly a gift to everyone who knew her and never sought attention. Deonne Jinkins, a friend in the US army, said Rampersad had a radiant smile and was the sweetest person. New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that Rampersad lived a life of courage and selflessness.
