Pentagon Identifies 7th US Soldier Killed in Iran War

Sgt. Benjamin Pennington, 26, succumbed to injuries sustained during an Iranian drone strike on March 1.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The U.S. military has identified a seventh American service member killed in the war against Iran. Sgt. Benjamin Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky, died on March 8 from wounds sustained during an Iranian drone strike on March 1 at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

Why it matters

The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran has resulted in the deaths of several American soldiers, highlighting the human toll of the war and the continued tensions between the two countries.

The details

Sgt. Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2017 as a unit supply specialist and joined the 1st Space Battalion in 2025. Pennington will be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.

  • Sgt. Pennington was injured in an Iranian drone strike on March 1, 2026.
  • Sgt. Pennington died from his injuries on March 8, 2026.

The players

Sgt. Benjamin Pennington

A 26-year-old soldier from Glendale, Kentucky, who was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey

The commanding general of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, who expressed deep sadness over Sgt. Pennington's death.

Col. Michael F. Dyer

The commander of the 1st Space Brigade, who described Sgt. Pennington as a dedicated and experienced noncommissioned officer.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

The U.S. Defense Secretary who stated that additional casualties are likely in the war against Iran and that the conflict will continue.

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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 a strong sense of duty.”

— Col. Michael F. Dyer, Commander, 1st Space Brigade

“There will be more casualties. And no one is—I mean, especially our generation—knows what it's like to see Americans come home in caskets. But that doesn't weaken us one bit. It stiffens our spine and our resolve to say this is a fight we will finish.”

— Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (CBS's '60 Minutes')

What’s next

The incident remains under investigation by the U.S. military.

The takeaway

The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran has resulted in the tragic loss of American lives, underscoring the human toll of war and the need for a peaceful resolution to the tensions between the two countries.