U.S. Military Deaths in Afghanistan The Department of Defense has identified 2,241 American service members who have died since the start of the Afghan war and related operations. It confirmed the deaths of the following Americans on Tuesday and Wednesday: NEW, Stephen M., 29, Sgt., Army; Bartlett, Tenn., 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Jackson, Miss. BURLEY, Nicholas B., 22, Specialist, Army; Red Bluff, Calif.; 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.