A tragic incident unfolded in Kuwait on October 29, 2023, when six US soldiers were killed in an Iranian drone strike. Among them was Declan Coady, the youngest at just 20 years old. Just hours before the attack, Coady reached out to his brother stationed in Italy, attempting to reassure his family back home, according to his father, Andrew Coady.
The drone strike targeted a command center, reportedly striking shortly after Coady’s phone call. “Based on timing, and what we know so far, it was shortly after that phone call that this happened,” Andrew recounted in an interview with CBS News. Declan had been stationed in Kuwait and had maintained regular communication with his family, sending updates every one to two hours to let them know he was safe.
His father shared how Declan’s messages were filled with reassurances: “Hey, everything’s still good. I’m good,” demonstrating his concern for his family despite the dangerous circumstances.
Keira Coady, Declan’s sister, expressed her growing anxiety when they stopped hearing from him. Prior to the attack, he had been in touch during Iran’s retaliatory strikes related to “Operation Epic Fury.” “After trying to check in, we heard nothing,” she told ABC News, reflecting on the family’s fear that something was amiss.
The family’s dread was confirmed when they received the devastating news. Keira recalled that as they prepared for bed, the doorbell rang, signaling one of the worst nights of their lives. “While it’s all blurry, we all knew what the doorbell meant,” she added.
Declan Coady had trained as an information technology specialist in the Army Reserves and was set to receive a promotion to sergeant, a title he was awarded posthumously. His father praised him, saying, “He was very good at what he did.”
Alongside Coady, the Pentagon identified five other servicemembers who lost their lives in the drone strike: Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, and Chief Warrant Officer Three Robert M. Marzan. All six soldiers were part of the 103rd Sustainment Command, which is responsible for providing essential supplies such as food, fuel, and ammunition to troops.
In response to the incident, President Donald Trump acknowledged the potential for casualties in such operations, stating, “But in the end it’s going to be a great deal for the world.” He plans to attend the dignified transfer of the servicemembers at Dover Air Force Base.
This tragic event underscores the human cost of military operations and the profound impact on families grieving the loss of their loved ones. Declan Coady’s story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those in service and their families who bear the weight of their duty.
