Staff report
A 26-year-old soldier from Glendale, Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, has become the seventh U.S. service member to die as result of the conflict in Iran. He died of wounds received during the Iranian regime’s initial attacks across the Middle East at the scene of an attack on U.S. troops at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1.
Pennington was a U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Soldier.
The Department of War announced his death on March 8 and said the incident is under investigation.
Glendale is an unincorporated town of about 300 residents south of Elizabethtown in Hardin County.
Governor Andy Beshear asked Kentuckians to join together to mourn the sergeant and pray for his family.
“Sgt. Pennington is a hero who sacrificed everything serving our country,” Gov. Andy Beshear wrote Monday.
U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell released the following statement: “Today, Kentucky mourns the loss of one of our own: Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington, U.S. Army., a native of Glendale. Sgt. Pennington was killed by Iran in an attack on U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia. Sgt. Pennington’s death is an awful reminder of the costs of Tehran’s decades-long war against American servicemembers. A grateful nation honors his life and his service to our country as he paid the ultimate sacrifice in defending American freedom. Elaine and I are thinking of his family during this difficult time, and we pray for our troops still in harm’s way in the Middle East.”
“This just breaks my heart,” Keith Taul, judge-executive of Hardin County, said in a written statement. “I have known the family for at least 30 years. I can’t imagine the pain and suffering they are experiencing. To lose a single service member is just a devastating blow. But when it is one of our own, we grieve as a community.”
“The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Pennington,” said Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, USASMDC commanding general. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved.”
“Sgt. Pennington was a dedicated and experienced noncommissioned officer who led with strength, professionalism and sense of duty,” added Col. Michael F. Dyer, 1st Space Brigade commander. “Our deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and fellow Soldiers. We remain dedicated to providing comfort and support at this time and will forever honor his legacy and ultimate sacrifice for our nation.”
Pennington enlisted in the U.S. Army as a unit supply specialist in 2017. He was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, USASMDC at Fort Carson, Colorado, on June 10, 2025.
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.
The Army says Pennington will be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.