The seventh US soldier killed in action during the conflict in the Middle East has been identified. Read more at the link in comments.
- A US soldier from Kentucky died from injuries during Operation Epic Fury in Saudi Arabia.
- Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, dies from wounds.
- Sergeant Pennington enlisted in the US Army in 2017.
GLENDALE, Ky. (WDKY) — The seventh soldier killed in action during the conflict in the Middle East has been identified.
On Sunday, U.S. Central Command reported that the soldier, who was injured during Iran’s initial attacks at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, had died.
Federal authorities have since identified the soldier as Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky.
Pennington, who enlisted in 2017, had been assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, in Fort Carson, Colorado, officials said. He was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, according to an Army press release.
“The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Pennington,” said Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, commanding general for the USASMDC. “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.”
Gov. Andy Beshear posted on Facebook, asking for prayers for Sgt. Pennington.
“Kentucky, I am sad to share we just received news that Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington from Glendale has died due to injuries from an Iranian attack,” Beshear wrote. “Sgt. Pennington is a hero who sacrificed everything serving our country. Please join Britainy and me as we pray for his family and our fellow Kentuckians during this difficult time.”
Keith Taul, judge executive for Hardin County, said he was heartbroken by the announcement.
“I have known the family for at least 30 years. I can’t imagine the pain and suffering they are experiencing,” Taul said. “To lose a single service member is just a devasting blow. But when it is one of our own, we grieve as a community. My wife Megan and I are praying for his family during this unthinkable loss.”
Pennington’s death came the same day that the six Army Reserve soldiers killed in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait on March 1 – the first American casualties of Operation Epic Fury – returned home.