Kentucky soldier dies from injuries sustained during attack in Saudi Arabia

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Kentucky soldier has been identified after officials say he died due to injuries sustained in a reported Iranian attack in Saudi Arabia.

According to a social media post by Gov. Andy Beshear, the governor received confirmation Monday morning 26-year-old Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington of Glendale has died.

“Please join Britainy and me as we pray for his family and our fellow Kentuckians during this difficult time,” Beshear stated.

This follows last week’s deaths of at least six U.S. soldier killed in Iranian attacks, with four of those soldiers assigned to an Iowa unit operating under the 1st Theater Sustainment Command out of Fort Knox and several based out of Kentucky, according to the governor.

The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command shared the following statement Monday morning:

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of an SMDC Soldier who was supporting Operation Epic Fury. Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington died March 8 of wounds received during an initial attack by the Iranian regime on U.S. troops at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, on March 1.”

“The U.S. 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.

“Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado. He will be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.”

Officials with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command further stated Pennington “enlisted in the U.S. Army as a 92Y, unit supply specialist, in 2017. He was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, USASMDC, on June 10, 2025.”

Additionally, Pennington’s awards and decorations include “the Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Korea Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon,’ officials say.

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