How many people have died in the US military, and how?
Over 80% of active-duty military deaths since 1980 have come from accidents, illness, and suicides.
Defense Department data shows that 63,670 active-duty military members have passed away since 1980. Eighty-four percent of these deaths were due to accidents, illness, and suicide or self-inflicted wounds. Two-hundred and sixty military members have died from the beginning of 2026 to May 13. Thirteen of these deaths resulted from Operation Epic Fury.
Detailed record-keeping about the ways in which active-duty military members die began in 1980. Historical records from The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) show that approximately 1.2 million service members died between 1775 and 1991.
Since 1980, less than 10% of military deaths have come from hostile action.
US active-duty military deaths by manner, 1980–2026
How many US soldiers have died and how?
Accidental deaths
Between 1980 and May 13, 2026, 29,948 soldiers died in accidents, which can include vehicle crashes and incidents related to alcohol or substance abuse. By 2025, the most recent year with complete data, there were 225 annual accidental deaths, down 85.5% from 1,556 in 1980.
Suicide or self-inflicted injuries
Deaths from suicide or self-inflicted injuries have become more prevalent in the data since more thorough data collection began. These incidents have become the most common cause of death in the military, increasing nearly 40%, from 231 deaths in 1980 to 322 in 2025.
Homicide, illness, and other deaths
Since 1980, more than 14,000 active-duty military members have died from illness (11,485) or homicide (2,802), with an additional 1,225 deaths classified as pending or undetermined.
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Which US war had the most casualties?
Nearly 1.08 million active-duty military were killed or wounded during the nation's nation’s four-year involvement in World War II. This war accounts for approximately 41% of US military casualties across the major conflicts recorded by the VA between 1775 and 1991.
After 160 years, the American Civil War still has the highest casualty rate of any major American conflict with 498,332 deaths and 281,881 wounded — 23.9% of all service members.
The Civil War was the deadliest US war when comparing casualties to service members.
US casualty and military service member records from US wars, 1775–1991
How many US service members were killed or injured in Afghanistan and Iraq?
The US global war on terrorism began after Al Qaeda operatives carried out the September 11th attacks. The US invaded both Afghanistan and Iraq in the resulting conflict to remove the regimes of the Taliban and Saddam Hussein from power.
From the onset of military operations in October 2001 to May 2026, the United States has lost 7,073 military personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq. Another 53,560 members have been wounded.
60% of the casualties in the war on terror occurred during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
US casualty records from the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, 2001–2026
How many US service members have been killed in the Iran operation?
The US began Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026 to dismantle Iran’s security infrastructure. As of May 13, thirteen US service members have died in the operation and 404 have been wounded in action.
Seven of the 13 who have been killed died in hostile action, meaning directly as part of a combat mission or while traveling to and from one. The other six died in a helicopter crash that was deemed to be not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.
What are the military benefits after someone dies?
Families of US military personnel who have lost a loved one in the line of duty may be eligible for a range of benefits. These benefits vary depending on the service member’s service and the circumstances of their death, but they often include:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: A monthly payment to eligible survivors.
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance: Provides education and training opportunities.
- Burial benefits: May include burial allowances and funeral-related assistance.
- TRICARE healthcare coverage: Access to medical benefits for eligible family members.
- Housing benefits: Access to military housing or housing allowances.
Eligibility generally extends to the service member’s spouse, children, and, in some cases, dependent parents, with specific criteria varying by situation.
Where does this data come from?
Where does this data come from?
Where does this data come from?
Data on historical casualty figures from America’s wars between 1775 and 1991 comes from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and utilizes estimates from the Department of Defense (DoD).
Data collected before World War I is based on incomplete records, making authoritative figures from conflicts difficult to attain.
Data on casualties during the War on Terror come from regularly updated Casualty Status reports from the Defense Manpower Data Center, a subset of the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the DoD.
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