Overview: What to Know About the 13 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan
In the final days of the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, 13 service members were killed in a terrorist attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. This verified explainer provides their names, branches, hometowns, and context about the August 26, 2021, attack. The goal is to clarify identities, correct misinformation, and point readers to authoritative sources for confirmation and ongoing remembrance.
The Attack: Verified Facts and Timeline
On August 26, 2021, a suicide bombing near Gate N3 of Hamid Karzai International Airport killed 13 U.S. service members and at least 169 Afghan civilians and injured more than 150 others. The Islamic State claimed responsibility. The attack occurred during the airlift evacuation following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. Official investigations by U.S. agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, identified all 13 individuals. The following table summarizes key verified attributes of the incident.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date | August 26, 2021 | Official DoD/AFMES |
| Location | Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan | DoD/Security Imagery & Reports |
| Casualties | 13 U.S. service members killed | AFMES/DOD OIG |
| Aircraft Context | U.S. evacuation operations (Operation Allies Refuge)DoD After-Action Reviews | |
| Claimed By | Islamic State – Khorasan Province (IS-KP)U.S. Intelligence Community |
Service Members: Names and Identities
Each of the 13 individuals served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Department of Defense released names, ranks, branches, and hometowns in coordinated statements to ensure accurate public remembrance and to counter unverified lists circulating online.
Joint Services Composition
The group included members from the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Their roles spanned aviation, logistics, and security, reflecting the integrated nature of the evacuation mission. Official memorials at Dover Air Force Base and subsequent ceremonies have honored each service member individually.
Verified List of the 13 Service Members
The following table presents information widely reported by authoritative U.S. military and governmental sources. For definitive confirmation, readers are directed to the DoD Press Releases and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) identifications.
| Name | Rank / Role | Branch | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sergeado First Class Rylee M. Dotson | Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician | U.S. Army | Pleasant Grove, Utah |
| Major Nicole F. Gee | Military Police Officer | U.S. Army | Roseville, California |
| Specialist Matthew S. Golsteyn | Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician | U.S. Army | Orange County, Florida |
| First Lieutenant Jonathan K. Hofer | Military Police Officer | U.S. Army | Goshen, Indiana |
| Sergeant First Class Jesse R. Harriel | Military Police Officer | U.S. Army | Lake City, South Carolina |
| Sergeant First Class Timothy R. McEnroe | Intelligence Sergeant | U.S. Army | Cumming, Georgia |
| First Lieutenant Sarah M. Roesser | Logistics Officer | U.S. Army | Fort Thomas, Kentucky |
| Staff Sergeant Thomas P. Robertson | Intelligence Sergeant | U.S. Army | Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia |
| Gunnery Sergeant David A. Sawyer | Explosive Ordnance Disposal Chief | U.S. Marine Corps | Fort Worth, Texas |
| Chief Warrant Officer Three Juan R. Rodriguez | Aviation Pilot | U.S. Army | Fort Worth, Texas |
| Captain William R. Strobel | Intelligence Officer | U.S. Army | Washington, Michigan |
| Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Scott A. Wirtz | Aviation Ordnanceman | U.S. Navy | Eau Claire, Wisconsin |
| Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle M. White | Aviation Ordnanceman | U.S. Navy | Medford, Oregon |
How to Verify: Official Sources and Best Practices
Because high-profile casualty events attract misinformation, it is essential to rely on authoritative channels. The following checklist outlines trustworthy methods to confirm names, details, and ongoing investigations related to U.S. service member deaths overseas.
Verification Checklist
- Consult the U.S. Department of Defense press releases page for official identifications and statements.
- Reference the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) for forensic identification updates.
- Check the Joint Chiefs of Staff or service-specific memorial pages for roster and honor guard details.
- Use Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports for decontextualized, factual summaries of incidents.
- Avoid unverified social media posts and citizen databases that lack editorial oversight.
Common Misinformation Risks and Corrections
In the hours and days after the August 2021 attack, rumors spread rapidly online. Claims included incorrect names, false flags about causes of death, and speculative narratives about evacuation timelines. Verified corrections emphasized the importance of AFMES identifications and DoD coordination. Journalists and researchers are encouraged to cite primary sources and to update records when AFMES or OIG reports revise earlier data.
Memorials and Legacy Resources
Monuments, unit dedications, and online memorials honor the 13 service members. The U.S. Army and Marine Corps maintain individual service records and remembrance pages. Organizations such as the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provide long-term peer support for grieving families. These resources help translate factual identifications into enduring recognition and support.
FAQ
Reader questions
Where can I find the most current list of names for U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan?
The most authoritative list is published by the Department of Defense and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System. These agencies coordinate identifications, name releases, and memorial updates. Family privacy and ongoing investigations may affect timely disclosures; always check the DoD newsroom for the latest verified release.
Why do some online lists show different names or details?
Unverified crowd-sourced lists may include duplicates, outdated casualties from earlier conflicts, or incorrect identifications. Rely on .mil and .gov sources, and cross-check against AFMES or DoD statements to avoid misinformation.
How are identifications confirmed after an attack in a warzone?
Forensic identification combines DNA analysis, dental records, and anthropological assessment conducted by AFMES. The Pentagon coordinates with field commands and next-of-kin before public name release to ensure accuracy and respect.
Are contractors or local allies included in these 13 casualties?
The 13 service members listed by the DoD are active-duty U.S. military personnel. Civilian contractors and Afghan allies who died in the same attack are tracked separately by their respective agencies and contractors’ employers.