The Pentagon identified three US service members killed and a fourth believed killed in the Middle East amid escalating attacks between US and Iranian forces. Their deaths bring to 18 the number of US troops killed since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February. Hundreds have been injured, including nearly 100 since July 7, with 96% of those returning to duty. Donald Trump attended the dignified transfer of the service members at Dover Air Force Base.
Michael Swinton, 30
Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was killed in action in northern Iraq during 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, called him “an amazing man” who “had an impact on anyone that crossed paths with him.” He leaves two children, ages 4 and 6. Swinton enlisted in 2017 and will be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant. His mother, Christel Swinton Andujar, said he could “light up any room” and that “his greatest love was his family.”
Tyler Feehan, 25
First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, was killed in an Iranian attack at Muwaffaq Salti airbase in Jordan. He enlisted in 2019 as a combat engineer with the Hawaii Army National Guard and later commissioned as an active-duty air defense artillery officer in 2024. He will be posthumously promoted to captain. Feehan was a Southern Utah University graduate and weeks away from earning his MBA, which will be awarded posthumously. His parents, Shari and Stephen Feehan, said their hearts “are shattered” and described him as adventurous, reaching Everest Base Camp and walking the Camino de Santiago. They noted he “believed deeply in the power of military service” and leaves a fiancée, parents, and four sets of grandparents. A scholarship in his name is being built.
Isabella Gonzales, 19
Private Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, was killed in the same 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. She graduated from Hebron High School in 2025 and joined the Army after. The Lewisville Independent School District said, “She gave her life in [Army] service, and our district is heartbroken by her loss.” Anthony Tapia, 21, who dated Gonzales, described her as “one of the most incredible people” and said they talked about marriage and their future. Gonzales was posthumously promoted to private first class.
Angel Rampersad, 28
Sergeant Angel S Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York, is believed to have been killed in action 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. State assembly candidate Pesach Osina said she was “truly a gift to everyone who knew her” and “simply wanted to serve, protect others, and do her duty with courage and humility.” Deonne Jinkins, a friend, recalled Rampersad’s “radiant smile” and said she took her out for her birthday. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, “Sgt. Rampersad lived a life of courage and selflessness.”
