JUST IN: Seventh U.S. Soldier Killed in Operation Epic Fury Identified

On Sunday, a U.S. soldier who was wounded during an Iranian attack on his base in Saudi Arabia on March 1st succumbed to his injuries and passed away.

Today, his identity was released as 26-year-old Sgt. Benjamin Pennington of Kentucky.

Take a look:

The Defense Department has identified the seventh service member killed in Iranian attacks as Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky.

Pennington was wounded in a March 1 attack on his base in Saudi Arabia and died from his injuries on Sunday.

He was stationed… pic.twitter.com/7jvLkrD836

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 9, 2026

The Defense Department has identified the seventh service member killed in Iranian attacks as Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky.

Pennington was wounded in a March 1 attack on his base in Saudi Arabia and died from his injuries on Sunday.

He was stationed at a strategic radar site that supports missile defense early warning systems.

Sgt. Pennington was a decorated warrior who first enlisted in 2017.

Newsweek has more:

His death was disclosed on Sunday, but Pennington’s name was not released until Monday. A Kentucky native, he had served with the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, USASMDC, since June 10, 2025.

“The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Pennington,” Lieutenant General Sean A. Gainey, USASMDC commanding general, said in a press release. “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.”..

The DOD said Pennington died March 8 from wounds he received during an Iranian attack against U.S. troops at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1, the day after the U.S. launched Operation Epic Fury.

In its announcement, the Pentagon said Pennington’s death was under investigation. Officers described him as someone who led with “strength, professionalism, and a sense of duty”.

Pennington was from Glendale, Kentucky, and was based out of Fort Carson in Colorado, as part of the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade.

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He had received multiple awards and decorations since enlisting as a 92 Y unit supply specialist in 2017, including the Army Commendation, Global War on Terrorism, Army Achievement, National Defense Service, and Korea Defense Service medals, as well as the Overseas Service, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development, and Army Service Ribbons.

This brings the total death toll of U.S. soldiers killed in the conflict with Iran to 7.

Vice President JD Vance says that Sgt. Pennington will be “coming home tonight.”

He also urged Americans to pray for all of the fallen soldiers and their families.

Watch here:

🚨 BREAKING: The 7th US troop killed in the Iran conflict has been identified as Sgt. Benjamin Pennington of Kentucky, 26

The hero will be coming home "tonight," per VP JD Vance

"I hope you'll spare a prayer." 🙏🏻

Bless this hero 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/eL5lNOhP2u

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 9, 2026

God Bless Sgt. Pennington, his family, and all of the soldiers who gave their lives for our nation.

Pray for our troops!

Any thoughts?