The Pentagon has identified Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York, as the third U.S. soldier believed to have been killed in an Iranian missile and drone attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17. Rampersad, initially listed as missing, was assigned to the 10th Army Air & Missile Defense Command in Germany. The attack also killed 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19. Additionally, Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, died in Iraq on July 19 while dismantling a downed Iranian drone. President Trump responded on July 20, vowing retaliation for the deaths.
Background & Context
The strike on the Jordanian base marked one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. forces since the escalation of tensions with Iran. The Pentagon is investigating the circumstances of Rampersad’s death. Swinton will posthumously receive a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge, along with a promotion to staff sergeant. The total U.S. military deaths in the conflict since Operation Epic Fury began on February 28 now stands at 18.