Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was killed while U.S. forces attempted to destroy a downed Iranian attack drone at Erbil Air Base in Iraq.
Swinton, a member of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, died during a controlled detonation of the one‑way unmanned aerial system, an incident that remains under investigation.
Lt. Gen. John L. Rafferty, commanding general of USASMDC, said the loss occurred during an operation to protect fellow soldiers and affirmed that Swinton’s service will not be forgotten.
The death brings the total number of U.S. service members killed since the conflict with Iran began to 17, encompassing combat losses, crashes and other mission‑related incidents.
Brig. Gen. John L. Dawber described Swinton as an experienced noncommissioned officer who answered the call to duty with courage, honor and selfless dedication.
Swinton will receive the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge and a posthumous promotion to staff sergeant, adding to a record that includes the Army Commendation Medal and several service ribbons.
His death follows the killing of two soldiers in Jordan and leaves another service member still missing after recent Iranian missile and drone attacks.
President Trump stated that each Iranian killing of an American soldier will be met with a decisive response, noting that the directive has been communicated to senior defense leaders.
Operation Epic Fury, launched on February 28, targets Iranian air defenses, missile and drone facilities, maritime capabilities and other military infrastructure in response to violations of a memorandum of understanding over the Strait of Hormuz.
More than 50,000 U.S. military personnel are currently operating across the Middle East as part of ongoing operations.
