7th US Service Member Killed in Iran War Identified

Sgt. Benjamin Pennington died from injuries sustained in Saudi Arabia attack

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Defense Department has identified Sgt. Benjamin Pennington, 26, as the seventh U.S. service member to die in the ongoing war with Iran. Pennington was killed on March 1 during an Iranian retaliatory strike on U.S. troops at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

Why it matters

The death of Sgt. Pennington is a tragic reminder of the human toll of the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran. As the war continues, military officials have warned that more casualties are likely ahead, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The details

Pennington enlisted in the Army in 2017 as a supply specialist and was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado. He was working at a strategic radar installation responsible for early warning against incoming missile threats when he was killed. Pennington is set to be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.

  • Sgt. Pennington died on March 1, 2026 from injuries sustained in the Iranian retaliatory strike.
  • On March 9, 2026, the Defense Department identified Sgt. Pennington as the 7th U.S. service member killed in the Iran war.

The players

Sgt. Benjamin Pennington

A 26-year-old U.S. Army supply specialist assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado, who was killed in an Iranian retaliatory strike in Saudi Arabia.

Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey

The top officer for Army Space and Missile Defense Command, who praised Sgt. Pennington's sacrifice and heroism.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth

The U.S. Secretary of Defense who warned that more casualties are likely ahead as the war with Iran continues.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, Top officer for Army Space and Missile Defense Command

“The president's been right to say there will be casualties. Things like this don't happen without casualties. There will be more casualties.”

— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (CBS News)

What’s next

The judge in Sgt. Pennington's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow his family to receive his posthumous promotion to staff sergeant.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Sgt. Pennington is a sobering reminder of the human toll of the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran. As the war continues, military officials have warned that more casualties are likely ahead, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for a peaceful resolution.