Michael Emmanuel Swinton was killed in action during the disposal of a downed Iranian one-way attack drone in Iraq. Michael Emmanuel Swinton was killed in action during the disposal of a downed Iranian one-way attack drone in Iraq. RALEIGH, North Carolina -- A U.S. soldier killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone was a 30-year-old father from North Carolina who had served for nearly a decade, according to a military statement Tuesday and his family. Michael Emmanuel Swinton will receive a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge, and will be promoted to staff sergeant. Michael Emmanuel Swinton.