Army Soldier from Colorado Unit Killed in Iran War

Staff Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, died after being wounded in an attack at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Pentagon has identified the seventh U.S. service member killed in combat during the Iran war as Army Staff Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky. Pennington died on Sunday after being wounded during an attack on March 1 at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. He was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade based at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Why it matters

The Iran war has resulted in the deaths of several U.S. service members, highlighting the ongoing conflict and risks faced by American troops deployed to the region. Pennington's death is the latest tragic loss for the Colorado-based unit focused on critical military communications and support.

The details

Pennington was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant. Six Army reservists were also killed in Kuwait when an Iranian drone struck an operations center at a civilian port.

  • Pennington was wounded in an attack on March 1, 2026.
  • Pennington died on Sunday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Benjamin N. Pennington

A 26-year-old Army staff sergeant from Glendale, Kentucky who was killed in combat during the Iran war.

1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade

A military unit based at Fort Carson, Colorado that Pennington was assigned to, focused on missile warning, GPS, and long-haul satellite communications.

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The takeaway

Pennington's death is a tragic reminder of the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members deployed to the Middle East during the Iran conflict. His Colorado-based unit plays a critical role in military communications and operations, underscoring the far-reaching impacts of this war.