U.S. Soldiers, Iran War
US President Donald Trump, center, salutes as members of a US Army carry team transports a flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of Sergeant First Class Noah L. Tietjens during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, US, on Saturday, March 7, 2026. President Donald Trump honored six US servicemembers killed in Kuwait during the war with Iran, attending a solemn ceremony as their remains returned to home soil. Photographer: Valerie Plesch/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Seventh U.S. Soldier Killed in Iran War Identified as Kentucky Native

Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, a 26-year-old Kentucky native, has been identified as the seventh U.S. soldier killed in the Iran War.

The seventh U.S. soldier killed in the war with Iran has been identified.

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Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky, died on Sunday from injuries he sustained a week earlier during an attack on a U.S. military base.

According to The Department of War, Pennington was wounded during an "enemy attack on March 1, 2026, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia."

His death comes during the second week of the conflict, following the deaths of six other U.S. service members who were killed during an Iranian attack on an American base in Kuwait.

Iran War Claims Seventh U.S. Soldier as Conflict Escalates

The base in Saudi Arabia where Pennington was stationed was targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles as part of a retaliatory strike, according to Fox News.

Iran launched the attacks against several Gulf Arab states that host U.S. military bases.

"Sgt. Pennington was a dedicated and experienced noncommissioned officer who led with strength, professionalism, and sense of duty," said 1st Space Brigade commander Col. Michael Dyer.

"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."

The base, located roughly 40 miles from Saudi Arabia's capital city of Riyadh, was defended by Saudi forces who intercepted several incoming missiles, per Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin.

The Army's Space Brigade, which Pennington served in, operates air-defense systems and is stationed across six countries worldwide, according to The New York Post.

The unit supports "the military's ability for missile warning, GPS tracking, and long-haul satellite communications to troops."

Kentucky Leaders Mourn Fallen Soldier

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also shared his condolences following the announcement of Pennington's death.

"Sgt. Pennington is a hero who sacrificed everything serving our country," Beshear said. "Please join Britainy and me as we pray for his family and our fellow Kentuckians during this difficult time."

Pennington is the latest U.S. service member killed in the conflict.

Among the six soldiers previously killed was Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, who died in a drone strike in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.

Her husband, Joey Amor, later revealed that she had been only days away from returning home.

"She was almost home," he told The Associated Press. "You don't go to Kuwait thinking something's going to happen. And for her to be one of the first - it hurts."

Nicole worked in logistics, helping ensure troops remained supplied with essential resources, including food and equipment.

She and her fellow soldiers were killed in Kuwait just one day after the United States and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran.