A 26-year-old U.S. Army soldier from Kentucky, Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington has been identified as the latest US service member to die in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Pennington died on Sunday, March 8, from injuries sustained in a deadly Iranian attack on U.S. forces stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1.
The soldier, assigned to the Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC), was supporting Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military’s strategic response to tensions with Iran. His death is a tragic chapter in the escalating conflict that has taken the lives of several US military personnel in recent days. Pennington had been serving with the 1st Space Brigade, based at Fort Carson, Colorado, since June 2025 after his initial enlistment in 2017.
Lieutenant General Sean A. Gainey, commanding general of the USASMDC, expressed deep sorrow over Pennington’s death and called the soldier a hero who made the supreme sacrifice for his country. “It doesn’t make him any less of a hero and he will always be remembered that way,” Gainey said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
Commander of the 1st Space Brigade, Colonel Michael F. Dyer praised Pennington as a dedicated and experienced leader who exemplified strength, professionalism, and a strong sense of duty. “Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and fellow soldiers,” Dyer said. “We are dedicated to providing comfort and support at this time and will always honor his legacy.”
Pennington is being posthumously promoted to the rank of staff sergeant in recognition of his service and sacrifice.
Loss of Sgt. Pennington follows the deaths of six other US service members who were killed in a separate drone strike in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait on March 1. The soldiers, who were part of the counterattack against Iranian forces, have been identified as Capt. Cody A. Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, Sgt. Declan J. Cody, Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan.
In addition to these casualties, the death of Major Sorfli Devious, a New York City police officer serving in the Army National Guard, was confirmed on March 6. DeWeese, who died after a medical episode while deployed to Camp Buehring in Kuwait, is remembered for his service and dedication.
The U.S. military and the families of those killed continue to honor their sacrifices and reflect on the enormous toll this ongoing conflict has taken on American service members.