Survivors of a recent Iranian attack on U.S. forces, the deadliest since the conflict began, have challenged the Pentagon’s version of events. They claim their unit in Kuwait was not adequately protected when six service members died and over 20 were injured.

For the first time, members of the targeted unit shared their experiences with CBS News, offering an inside look at the attack and its aftermath. They disputed statements by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who described the drone as a ‘squirter’ that bypassed defenses. One injured soldier argued, “Painting a picture that ‘one squeaked through’ is a falsehood. The unit was ill-prepared for any defense.”

This soldier, like others, spoke anonymously due to strict media constraints within the military. Despite the chaos, those in the compromised compound reacted quickly and bravely, saving many lives. “I am proud of them and their sacrifice,” a member of the Army’s 103rd Sustainment Command stated.

Eye-witness accounts and exclusive images and videos from CBS News provide the first narrative of the March 1 attack. Before the attack, around 60 troops had sheltered in a cement bunker due to incoming missile alarms, but an all-clear sounded later. As they returned to managing operations, the explosion occurred.

A soldier described the scene: “Everything shook. It was like in the movies. Ears ringing, vision blurry, dust and smoke everywhere.” The aftermath showed injuries like head wounds and bleeding from shrapnel. The blast killed six and wounded over 20, marking the deadliest attack on U.S. troops since 2021.

One week before Operation Epic Fury, most Americans in Kuwait were relocated to Jordan and Saudi Arabia, to avoid Iranian missile range. However, members of the 103rd Sustainment Command were relocated to the southern coast of Kuwait. Their orders differed: move everything to Port of Shuaiba, a smaller outpost.

T-walls surrounded the tactical center, a familiar setup from previous wars but ineffective against aerial attacks. “It’s a classic, older base,” a soldier recounted, highlighting the basic setup and questioning their proximity to Iran, known for missile threats.

Despite seeing intelligence on potential Iranian targets, they remained exposed. “We moved closer to Iran, to a known target,” a soldier noted. “Little more than thin vertical barricades shielded us, offering no upper defense.”

The Pentagon declined to comment on these claims, citing an active investigation. Assistant Secretary of Defense Sean Parnell previously stated that ‘all measures’ were in place to protect troops.

With Iran relying more on cost-effective drones, the shift in warfare strategies became clear. A Shahed drone directly hit the U.S. site, causing “chaos,” another injured soldier said. The injured self-triaged with improvised bandages and braces before civilian vehicles transported them to local hospitals.

Survivors did not appreciate Hegseth’s labeling of the drone as a ‘squirter.’ “We must tell the truth. We need to learn from these errors,” a soldier explained. While acknowledging combat realities, he stated the attack was preventable.

“I’m saddened by their loss. It’s a memory I’ll carry, but I’m proud of their sacrifice,” he reflected. Families should share this pride.

James LaPorta contributed to this report.