Pentagon identifies soldier killed in action during controlled detonation of drone in Iraq
The Pentagon says Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton was killed in action July 19 while detonating a downed drone in Iraq. (U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command)
The Pentagon has identified the U.S. Army soldier who was killed in action over the weekend while detonating a downed drone in Iraq.
Officials say Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was killed July 19 while working to detonate a downed One-Way Unmanned Aerial System at Erbil Air Base, Iraq on Sunday. The Pentagon says the incident is under investigation.
Sgt. Swinton was assigned to D Battery, 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC) says Swinton’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge.
"USASMDC is saddened by the loss of Sgt. Swinton, whose death occurred during an operation to safeguard fellow soldiers," said Lt. Gen. John L. Rafferty, USASMDC commanding general. "His service will not be forgotten, and his sacrifice is not in vain. We will support Sgt. Swinton's family and his unit during this difficult period. His loss will inspire his fellow soldiers to continue the mission."
"Sgt. Swinton was an experienced non-commissioned officer who took great pride in his work and the people around him," said Brig. Gen. John L. Dawber, 32nd AAMDC commanding general. "He answered the call to duty with courage, honor, and selfless dedication."
USASMDC says Swinton’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge.
Swinton will receive the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge, and be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.
Swinton is one of three soldiers killed over the weekend. The Pentagon says 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii was killed in action on July 18 and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, was killed in action on July 17. The Pentagon said both soldiers were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve and were killed during an enemy attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan.
The Pentagon says U.S. Army 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan and U.S. Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales were killed in action during an enemy attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan. (U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa)
Several other service members were also injured, and the military said one person was missing and "unidentified remains" were found Sunday and were being examined.
Feehan was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Gonzales was assigned to 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air Missile Defense Command, Ansbach, Germany.
The White House said Monday that the soldier's remains will return to Dover Air Force Base Tuesday evening and President Trump will attend the dignified transfer.
Details of the attack, outside the use of ballistic missiles and drones, were not released.
The Source: This article includes information from The Pentagon and previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Orlando.