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“Their Deaths Will Not Be in Vain. We Will Honor Them With Action… We Will Hunt Down the Iranian Radicals Responsible,” — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Honors the Six Fallen US Soldiers Lost in Operation Epic Fury — “We Stand Stronger Than Ever, Ready to Avenge These Fallen Heroes and Crush the Threats in Iran That Dare to Challenge Us”

  • Rob Glenn
  • March 6, 2026

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued a statement today honoring six American service members who were killed while supporting Operation Epic Fury. In remarks highlighting the sacrifices and responsibilities of U.S. troops, Hegseth emphasized the courage required to serve and the commitment of the nation to honor those who have fallen.

Hegseth named the six service members who lost their lives: Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien, Captain Cody A. Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor, Sergeant First Class Noah L. Tietjens, and Sergeant Declan J. Coady. “Our nation mourns the loss of six extraordinary American heroes. These brave warriors gave everything in service to our country, supporting Operation Epic Fury,” he said.

In his statement, Hegseth underscored the unique burdens carried by service members, noting that they bear “a responsibility and a duty most civilians will never come close to understanding.” He added, “They know that the day might come when they are asked to risk their life in defense of their country.” Hegseth also expressed solidarity with the families and fellow troops of the fallen, pledging that their deaths would not be in vain.

The Secretary outlined a clear response to the attacks, vowing to hold accountable those responsible. “We will honor them with action. We will hunt down the Iranian radicals responsible, dismantle their military capabilities, and ensure that justice is swift and absolute,” Hegseth said. “We stand stronger than ever, ready to avenge these fallen heroes and crush the threats in Iran that dare to challenge us. America does not yield; we advance, we prevail, and this we’ll defend.”

The six fatalities occurred during the initial days of the conflict in the region. U.S. military officials reported that three service members were killed and five were seriously wounded on Sunday following an Iranian strike on a base in Kuwait. By Monday, one of the injured service members had died of their wounds, and the remains of two previously unaccounted troops were recovered from facilities struck in the initial attacks, bringing the total number of American casualties to six.

Hegseth acknowledged the ongoing risks, noting that additional casualties are expected as the conflict continues. “War is hell and always will be. A grateful nation honors the four Americans we have lost thus far,” he said at a Pentagon news conference earlier, reflecting the evolving situation as Operation Epic Fury continues.

Hegseth concluded his statement with a call to honor the fallen by supporting their families and maintaining the nation’s resolve. “God bless our warfighters, their families, and the United States of America,” he said, framing the loss within the broader mission and duty of the armed forces.