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

ByPenelope Lopez WTVD logo

Monday, July 20, 2026

Fort Bragg soldier killed defending Iranian attacks in Jordan

1st Lt. Feehan was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command at Fort Bragg.

WTVD

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.

1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan (Photo: US Department of War)

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."

1st Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan's mom shared with ABC11 this heartfelt tribute to her son.

"Remembering 1LT Tyler James Feehan - "Tivo"
"Our hearts are shattered. Tyler James Feehan, our son, our "Tivo," was taken from us far too soon - alongside other American heroes lost or wounded in this same tragic attack.

In just 25 years, Tyler packed in more living than most people manage in a lifetime. He chased adventure relentlessly, whether it meant reaching Everest Base Camp or walking the Camino de Santiago across France and into Spain. As a leader, he never wavered in putting his soldiers first - mentoring them, sharing his love of finance, and pushing the value of education every chance he got. He believed deeply in the power of military service, especially what it builds in a person: discipline, leadership, character. Everyone who knew him loved him.

First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan (Photo Credit: Shari and Stephen Feehan)

Behind him, he leaves a family in mourning - his parents, his fiancée who was to become his wife upon his return from deployment, four sets of grandparents, and a wide circle of aunts, uncles, and cousins who adored him. Law school was next on his list, a goal he talked about with the same confidence he quoted from Legally Blonde: "What, like it's hard?"
To every man and woman who serves this country, our prayers remain with you, as they always have.

First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan and his fiancée. (Photo Credit: Shari and Stephen Feehan)

Tyler, we are proud of you beyond words - devastated, yes, but prouder still. No parents could have asked for a better son, and carrying your legacy forward is now our purpose.
We ask only this: that in remembering Tyler, people pause to see the good this country still holds, rather than what divides it. To that end, we're building a scholarship in his name - one meant to open doors to education for those who serve or hope to. We're starting it with his death gratuity, and we welcome anyone moved to give."

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.