SerpApi.Org
An American soldier killed while destroying a downed Iranian drone in northern Iraq on Sunday has been identified, according to the Pentagon.
Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, NC, died as a result of the mishap during a controlled detonation at Erbil Air Base. A second service member suffered a minor injury.
Lt. Gen. John L. Rafferty, commanding general of the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command, said Swinton was killed “during an operation to safeguard fellow Soldiers.
“His service will not be forgotten, and his sacrifice is not in vain,” Rafferty added. “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.”
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Swinton’s wife, Mia Gonzalez-Swinton, announced her husband’s death on Facebook Sunday morning.
“I didn’t think this would be the last time I ever saw you,” she wrote alongside a picture of the fallen hero hugging a little girl. “I have no words.”
I was informed this morning that my husband, Michael, was killed while serving in Iraq,” Gonzalez-Swinton explained. “I’m navigating how to process this so please bear with me.”
Swinton’s mother, Christel Swinton Andujar, told WRAL that her son is survived by his wife, 6-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter, as well as two brothers and two sisters.
“He loved his job, he loved his country and he loved the leadership in this country,” she said. “He deserves to be honored. He loved his wife and two children.”
Swinton is one of three US troops confirmed to have died over the weekend as a result of the intensifying war with Iran.
For his actions, Swinton will posthomously receive the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge, and be promoted to staff sergeant, the Pentagon confirmed.
On Monday, the War Department identified Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, and First Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, as victims of a July 17 Iranian missile strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in eastern Jordan.
The American death toll since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28 stands at 17 service members.
