The Pentagon has identified Sgt. Benjamin Pennington as the seventh U.S. service member killed in the ongoing Iran conflict. Pennington, 26, was a soldier stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado and died Sunday from wounds suffered earlier in a retaliatory attack.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Pennington was injured during a March 1 attack targeting U.S. troops at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The assault came during rising tensions between the United States and Iran.
Wounded During Retaliatory Strike
Military officials said Pennington suffered severe injuries during the attack and died days later. The Pentagon confirmed that he had been deployed with the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, based at Fort Carson.
In a statement, U.S. Space Command honored Pennington’s service and sacrifice.
“It is with a heavy heart that we render a final salute to U.S. Army Sgt. Benjamin Pennington,” the command said. “We mourn a life cut short and extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and community.”
The statement also noted that Pennington served the nation with dedication and professionalism.
Career and Service Record
Pennington enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2017 as a unit supply specialist. Army officials said he joined the Fort Carson unit in June 2024.
His unit’s mission focused on critical space operations including missile warning systems, GPS support, and long range satellite communications. These systems play a key role in modern military operations and global security.
Pennington was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant after his death.
According to the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, he earned numerous military awards during his service.
- Three Army Commendation Medals
- Army Achievement Medal
- Two Army Good Conduct Medals
- National Defense Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Korea Defense Service Medal
- Overseas Service Ribbon
- Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon
- Army Service Ribbon
Leaders Honor a Fallen Soldier
Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command described Pennington as a strong and dedicated noncommissioned officer.
“He gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved,” Gainey said. “That makes him nothing less than a hero, and he will always be remembered that way.”
Representative Jeff Crank of Colorado also paid tribute to the fallen soldier. In a statement to local media, he said Pennington answered the call to defend the nation and paid the highest price.
Crank added that the loss serves as a powerful reminder of the risks faced by American troops serving overseas.
Rising Casualties in Iran Conflict
Pennington’s death brings the total number of U.S. troops killed in the current Iran conflict to seven. Military officials said all casualties so far have been members of the U.S. Army.
The other six soldiers were Army reservists killed earlier when an Iranian drone struck an operations center at a civilian port in Kuwait. The attack marked one of the deadliest incidents for U.S. forces since tensions with Iran escalated.
Defense officials continue to monitor the situation across the Middle East as U.S. troops remain stationed at key bases throughout the region.
For now, the military community at Fort Carson and beyond is mourning the loss of a young soldier remembered by commanders as committed, professional, and proud to serve his country.