Fort Bragg soldier from Hawaii killed defending Iran ballistic missile, drone attacks in Jordan

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (WTVD) -- U.S. forces have begun a new round of strikes against Iranian targets, U.S. Central Command announced Monday afternoon, in an effort to weaken Iran's ability to threaten commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest escalation comes as the Pentagon confirmed the identities of two American service members killed in Iran's attacks on a U.S. Air Base in Jordan over the weekend: Private Isabella Gonzales of Texas and 1st Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan of Hawaii.

Gonzales was stationed in Germany and Feehan was stationed at Fort Bragg.

The Pentagon said the two soldiers were defending against Iranian missile and drone attacks. These are the first U.S. troop deaths caused by direct Iranian fire since the war began.

President Donald Trump addressed the media, saying, "We feel very badly. But, you know, those great people, those great patriots were out there fighting that Iran could not have a nuclear weapon."

Since the start of hostilities, seventeen U.S. service members have been killed.

The news hitting hard for the veteran community including Disabled Veteran Everett Lyles who served at Fort Bragg.

"When you're overseas fighting for your country, and you don't make it back home, it's a triple hurt," said Lyles. 1st Lt. Feehan, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, died July 18 from wounds sustained in the previous day's attack.

He will posthumously receive the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, and a promotion to captain. Support has been pouring in from his unit. Brigadier General John Dawber of the 32nd AAMDC said, "We will never forget his ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation."

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein wrote on Facebook, "he was just 25 years old when he made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms, and we owe him a debt of gratitude."

A third service member remains missing. Four others wounded in Friday's attack were evacuated to hospitals and have since been discharged.

"You have the support of five, two, five. We're behind you. We're praying that you get everything that you need for your son to come here," Lyles said, directing his message to Feehan's family.

A dignified transfer ceremony for the fallen service members will be held tomorrow at Dover Air Force Base. President Trump is expected to attend.

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