Seventh US service member killed in war with Iran identified

Benjamin N Pennington, 26, died from injuries sustained during an Iranian strike on an airbase in Saudi Arabia

The Pentagon has identified the seventh US service member killed in the war with Iran as 26-year-old army Sgt Benjamin N Pennington, who is a resident of Glendale, Kentucky.

In a statement on Monday the department said Pennington died on Sunday from injuries sustained during an Iranian strike on the Prince Sultan airbase in Saudi Arabia on 1 March. The incident is under investigation, the statement said.

Pennington was assigned to first space battalion, first space brigade, Fort Carson, Colorado, the Pentagon said. The brigade is part of the army space and missile defense command.

US Central Command announced the death on Sunday, but did not identify the service member. In its statement, US Central Command said that the service member had been “seriously wounded” when the Saudi military base was struck on 1 March and had “passed away from injuries”.

“The US Army Space and Missile Defense Command is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Pennington,” Lt Gen Sean A Gainey, USASMDC commanding general, said. “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.”

Col Michael F Dyer, first space brigade commander, described Pennington as a “dedicated and experienced noncommissioned officer who led with strength, professionalism and sense of duty”.

“Our deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and fellow Soldiers” Dyer said. “We remain dedicated to providing comfort and support at this time and will forever honor his legacy and ultimate sacrifice for our nation.”

The US army space and missile defense command said that Pennington enlisted in the US army as a unit supply specialist in 2017. He was assigned to the first space battalion, first space brigade, USASMDC, on 10 June 2025.