On the evening of August 26, 2021, a suicide bomber from ISIS-K detonated an explosive vest at the Abbey Gate, close to U.S. service members who were screening Afghan civilians awaiting evacuation. Following the initial blast, gunmen fired into the crowd, amplifying the devastation. In addition to the 13 American service members, at least 169 Afghan civilians and 2 British nationals lost their lives, with over 150 more wounded.

This was the first U.S. military combat loss in Afghanistan since February 2020, and marked the deadliest single day for American troops in the war since 2011

These fallen heroes were serving as part of Operation Allies Refuge, working round-the-clock to evacuate at-risk Afghan civilians. President Biden, Defense Secretary Austin, and senior military leaders lauded their “selfless mission” and vowed accountability to ensure such sacrifices were honored and remembered

Their families and communities have since created lasting memorials—from scholarships and local monuments to annual tributes—to honor their memory and maintain the spirit of service they embodied.

Each of these brave Americans stood on the front lines of chaos and danger, calming the frightened and guiding evacuees to safety. Their names are etched in our hearts and their stories remind us of the profound cost borne by those who serve.

May we never forget these fallen heroes!

Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20 – Rio Bravo, Texas, USMC
Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23 – Sacramento, California, USMC
Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31 – Salt Lake City, Utah, USMC
Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23 – Corryton, Tennessee, USA
Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22 – Indio, California, USMC
Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20 – Jackson, Wyoming, USMC
Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20 – Rancho Cucamonga, California, USMC
Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20 – Norco, California, USMC
Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23 – Omaha, Nebraska, USMC
Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25 – Lawrence, Massachusetts, USMC
Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22 – Logansport, Indiana, USMC
Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20 – St. Charles, Missouri, USMC
Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22 – Berlin Heights, Ohio, USN