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.”
