Kentucky Soldier Killed in Saudi Arabia Attack

Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, is the 7th U.S. service member to die in the Iran war.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky, died on Sunday after being wounded during a March 1 attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command based at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Why it matters

Pennington's death is the seventh U.S. service member killed in the ongoing conflict with Iran, underscoring the human toll of the war. The attack on the Saudi air base where Pennington was stationed also raises concerns about the expanding scope of the conflict beyond just Iran and the U.S.

The details

Pennington was wounded in the March 1 attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. He was initially in stable condition but his condition worsened, and he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. Pennington was a unit supply specialist assigned to the Army's Space and Missile Defense Command.

  • Pennington was wounded on March 1, 2026.
  • Pennington died on March 6, 2026.

The players

Benjamin N. Pennington

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

Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey

The commanding general of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, which Pennington was assigned to.

Col. Michael F. Dyer

The commander of the 1st Space Brigade, which Pennington was a part of.

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What they’re saying

“The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Pennington. 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, Commanding General, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command

“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

What’s next

Pennington will be posthumously promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.

The takeaway

Sgt. Pennington's death is a tragic reminder of the human toll of the ongoing conflict with Iran, and underscores the need for a peaceful resolution to the tensions between the two countries.