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Elizabethtown Today
By the People, for the People
Kentucky Soldier Killed in Iran War
Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington is the 7th U.S. service member to die in the conflict.
Published on Mar. 10, 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 the seventh U.S. service member to die in combat during the ongoing Iran war.
Why it matters
The death of Sgt. Pennington is a tragic loss for his community and the nation, highlighting the human toll of the ongoing conflict with Iran. As the war continues, there are growing concerns about the impact on U.S. service members and their families.
The details
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. The unit's mission focused on 'missile warning, GPS, and long-haul satellite communications'. Pennington enlisted in 2017 as a unit supply specialist and was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.
- Pennington was wounded in an attack on March 1, 2026.
- Pennington died on Sunday, March 10, 2026.
The players
Benjamin N. Pennington
A 26-year-old Army sergeant from Glendale, Kentucky who was killed in action during the Iran war.
Tim Pennington
The father of Benjamin N. Pennington.
Mike Bell
A retired pastor of Glendale Christian Church who knew Pennington since he was a toddler.
Keith Taul
The judge-executive of Hardin County, where Pennington was from.
Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey
The commanding general of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command.
What they’re saying
“This just breaks my heart. I have known the family for at least 30 years. I can't imagine the pain and suffering they are experiencing. To lose a single service member is just a devastating blow. But when it is one of our own, we grieve as a community.”
— Keith Taul, Judge-executive of Hardin County (Associated Press)
“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, USASMDC (Associated Press)
What’s next
Pennington will be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, the Pentagon said.
The takeaway
The death of Sgt. Pennington is a tragic reminder of the human cost of war and the sacrifices made by U.S. service members and their families. As the conflict with Iran continues, there are growing concerns about the toll it is taking on American troops and their communities.
