Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, died Sunday during a controlled detonation of the drone, according to the Defense Department.
The Pentagon has identified the US soldier killed during an operation to destroy a downed Iranian drone at Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq, as American casualties continue to mount amid the conflict with Iran.
Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, died Sunday during a controlled detonation of the drone, according to the Defense Department. Another service member suffered a minor injury during the incident.
Lt. Gen. John L. Rafferty, commanding general of the Army's Space and Missile Defense Command, said Swinton was killed while carrying out a mission to protect fellow troops.
“His service will not be forgotten, and his sacrifice is not in vain,” Rafferty said, according to the New York Post. “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.”
Swinton's wife, Mia Gonzalez-Swinton, confirmed his death in a Facebook post Sunday after being notified.
“I didn’t think this would be the last time I ever saw you,” she wrote alongside a photograph of Swinton embracing a young child. “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, a 6-year-old son, a 4-year-old daughter, 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.”
The Pentagon said Swinton will be posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge.
This is a breaking news story.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
