WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Pentagon has identified the seventh U.S. service member killed during the ongoing conflict with Iran as 26-year-old Army Sgt. Benjamin Pennington of Kentucky. Officials said Pennington died Sunday from wounds he suffered in an Iranian strike earlier this month.
Pennington lived in Glendale, Kentucky. He served in the U.S. Army and worked in a specialized unit focused on space and missile defense operations. Military leaders and government officials have honored his service as the United States continues to respond to rising tensions in the Middle East.
The Department of Defense announced Pennington’s death on Monday. Officials said he suffered severe injuries on March 1 when Iranian forces targeted Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
The attack marked one of the most serious strikes against U.S. forces during the Iran conflict. Medical teams treated Pennington after the attack, but his injuries proved fatal. Pennington died Sunday, several days after the strike. His death raised the number of U.S. military personnel killed in the conflict to seven. Defense officials said his remains were scheduled to return to the United States later Monday.
Pennington served with the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado. The brigade operates under the Army Space and Missile Defense Command.
The unit plays a key role in modern military operations. Soldiers in the brigade monitor space-based systems, missile threats,s and satellite communications. Their work helps protect U.S. forces and allied troops around the world. Military officials said Pennington showed dedication and professionalism throughout his service. His unit supports missions that combine advanced technology with national defense.
The Iranian strike that wounded Pennington targeted Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The base hosts U.S. and coalition forces involved in regional security missions. Iran launched the attack during escalating military tensions in the Middle East. The strike caused injuries among U.S. personnel and triggered strong responses from U.S. defense leaders.
American forces maintain a presence at Prince Sultan Air Base to support air defense, intelligence operations,s and regional stability efforts. The base remains an important hub for U.S. military activity in the region.
Vice President JD Vance addressed Pennington’s death on Monday while speaking at the International Association of Fire Fighters Legislative Conference in Washington. Vance asked Americans to remember the soldiers who lost their lives in the conflict.
“I just want to say that if you are the praying type, and I certainly am, I hope you’ll spare a prayer for the six souls that we lost, for the seventh soul who will be coming home tonight, and for all of the families,” Vance said. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by military members and first responders.
“You all know better than almost any category of Americans what it means to put on a uniform and to sacrifice for our country,” Vance said.
Vance encouraged the audience to take a moment to remember the fallen soldiers and their families.
Pennington became the seventh American service member confirmed killed during the war. Officials have identified the other six soldiers who died earlier in the conflict. They include Army Reserve Sgt. Declan Coady, Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan.
