Pentagon Identifies Four U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iranian Missile Strike on Kuwait Base

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon on March 3 released the names of four U.S. Army soldiers killed Sunday in an Iranian drone attack on a military base in Kuwait, marking the first American fatalities in the ongoing military action against Iran.

The deceased are:

• Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Ramirez, 34, of El Paso, Texas
• Spc. Kayla M. Thompson, 25, of Fayetteville, North Carolina
• Pfc. Jamal A. Washington, 22, of Detroit, Michigan
• Pvt. 1st Class Ethan R. Cole, 19, of Boise, Idaho

All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command. They died when an Iranian ballistic missile struck their forward operating base near Camp Arifjan, part of Tehran's retaliatory barrages following U.S. and Israeli strikes that began February 28.

Central Command confirmed the deaths and stated the soldiers were providing force protection when the attack occurred. Two additional service members remain in critical condition.

The incident brings the total U.S. fatalities to six, including two other servicemen who's names are being withheld until 24 hours after notifying next of kin. President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered condolences, calling the fallen "heroes who gave their lives defending freedom against a terrorist regime."