Pentagon identifies Nebraskan as one of the troops killed during a drone strike in Kuwait

LINCOLN, Neb. (ABC NEWS) — The Pentagon on Tuesday identified four of the six American troops killed in the opening hours of the war with Iran.

Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Spc. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, died Saturday in Kuwait from an Iranian drone attack.

Tietjens enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2006 as a 91B (Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic). He had two deployments to Kuwait in 2009 and 2019.

Tietjens’ awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal With “M” Device.

All soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, an Army Reserve unit based in Des Moines, Iowa.

All six died in the same attack at Shuaiba port in Kuwait, a commercial harbor that doubles as a logistics hub through which the U.S. military ships tactical vehicles and supplies into the region.

The other two names are being withheld until a day after the next of kin have been notified. An additional 18 service members were wounded in the strike.

The six represent the first Americans killed in action in the joint U.S.-Israel war against Iran.

The joint U.S.-Israel campaign entered its fourth day Tuesday, with American forces having struck more than 1,700 targets inside Iran as fighting spread across at least a dozen countries.

Trump and top Pentagon officials warned the toll is expected to rise.

“We expect to take additional losses, and as always, we will work to minimize U.S. losses,” Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Monday.

Sen. Deb Fischer released a statement following the announcement:

“It is with profound sadness that I learned one of Nebraska’s own was killed in Kuwait during Operation Epic Fury. Bruce and I extend our deepest condolences to Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens’ family as they navigate this unimaginable grief. His courage and sacrifice in service to our nation will be forever honored.”

Rep. Adrian Smith also released a statement:

“I am heartbroken to learn of the death of Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens, who was killed in the line of duty over the weekend. This is a devastating loss for his family, friends, fellow service members, and for our entire state. Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens answered the call to serve with courage and selflessness. He gave his life in defense of the freedoms we cherish, and we will forever be grateful for his service. Please join me in keeping his loves ones in your prayers. May they feel the strength, support, and gratitude of a community that mourns with them and honors his service.”

Rep. Mike Flood issued the following statement:

“The news of Sergeant Noah Tietjens’ death is heartbreaking. It is a sobering reminder that our troops are putting their lives on the line as America tries to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power. Our prayers are with the Tiejtens family as we all grieve Sergeant Tiejens’ loss and honor his service to our country.”

Gov. Jim Pillen ordered the flying of flags at half-staff to honor Tietjens:

“Suzanne and I are deeply saddened to learn of Sgt. Tietjens death. We are holding the Tietjens family close in our hearts during this unbelievably difficult time and will keep them in our prayers.

Noah stepped up to serve and defend the American people from foreign enemies around the world – a sacrifice we must never forget. Please join us in praying for the Tietjens and for all members of the United States military who stand in harm’s way to protect our freedom.”