Pentagon identifies third US soldier killed in Iranian attack in Jordan

The Pentagon has identified a third active-duty soldier killed in an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack in Jordan late last week, updating his status from "missing" to "believed to be deceased."

Identification of the Third Casualty

The Defense Department on Tuesday identified Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York, as the third soldier killed during the enemy attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan.

According to the Pentagon release, Rampersad was assigned to:

• 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment
• 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade
• 10th Army Air & Missile Defense Command
• Ansbach, Germany

Previously Identified Casualties

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) had previously confirmed the deaths of two other soldiers:

• U.S. Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas — died July 17
• 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii — died July 18

Search and Status Update

CENTCOM initially reported that a third U.S. service member was missing following the attack. On July 19, the command announced:

"After a thorough search, U.S. military personnel found unidentified remains at the location earlier today. An examination process to verify the remains is ongoing."

The missing service member has now been identified as Sgt. Rampersad. The Pentagon noted that the incident remains under investigation, with the soldier's status updated from "missing" to "believed to be deceased."

Casualty Toll

The latest casualties bring the total number of American troops killed in the war with Iran to 18. More than 400 U.S. troops have been wounded in the campaign, which began on February 28.

J.D. Simkins and Christina Stassis contributed to this report.

About the Author

Claire Barrett is an editor and military history correspondent for Military Times. She is also a World War II researcher with an affinity for Sir Winston Churchill and Michigan football.