The U.S. military announced the death of a U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command soldier in the week-long war on Iran.
U.S. Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky, became the seventh service member killed in action since the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran began, the Department of Defense announced on Monday.
"The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Pennington,” Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command commanding general, said in a release. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved. That makes him nothing less than a hero, and he will always be remembered that way. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."
Sgt. Pennington died on Sunday, March 8, after being seriously wounded during an attack on March 1 while serving at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, according to the Defense Department. The incident is under investigation.
Sgt. Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Brigade, at Fort Carson, Colorado.
“Sgt. Pennington was a dedicated and experienced noncommissioned officer who led with strength, professionalism and sense of duty,” Col. Michael F. Dyer, 1st Space Brigade commander, said. “Our deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and fellow Soldiers. We remain dedicated to providing comfort and support at this time and will forever honor his legacy and ultimate sacrifice for our nation.”
Sgt. Pennignton enlisted in the Army as a 92Y, unit supply specialist in 2017, and was given his current assignment in June 2025. His awards and deocrations include, Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Korea Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon, according to an Army release.
Pennington was posthumously promoted to staffsergeant.
The attack that resulted in Sgt. Pennington's death occurred on the same day an Iranian drone attack on the Port of Shuaiba in Kuwait resulted in the death of six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers.
The six soldiers to die in that attack were: Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Lakeland, Florida; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Calif; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa.
CENTCOM also announced on Sunday that a U.S. National Guard soldier died in a health-related incident on Friday while serving in Kuwait.
The cause of death is under review.