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U.S. Army Sgt. Benjamin Pennington Dies Following Attack in Saudi Arabia

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U.S. Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington Dies from Injuries Sustained in Saudi Arabia Attack

U.S. Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky, died on Sunday from injuries sustained during an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1.

His death marks the seventh U.S. service member fatality since the conflict that commenced on February 28.

Incident Details and Fatality

Sgt. Pennington was wounded on March 1 during an Iranian strike at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. He died from these injuries on Sunday. The Pentagon identified Sgt. Pennington on Monday.

He is the seventh U.S. service member to die in the ongoing conflict, which began on February 28 when an Iranian drone struck an operations center in Kuwait. President Donald Trump previously attended the dignified transfer for six other U.S. soldiers killed in this conflict.

Military Service

Sgt. Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, a component of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, based at Fort Carson, Colorado. The unit's mission focuses on missile warning, GPS, and long-haul satellite communications.

He entered the service as a unit supply specialist. Following his death, he is to be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.

Personal Background and Recognitions

Pennington graduated from Central Hardin High School in 2017 and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in August 2017.

Awards and Decorations

Awards and decorations received by Sgt. Pennington include:

  • Army Commendation Medal
  • Army Achievement Medal
  • Army Good Conduct Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
  • Army Service Ribbon

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear acknowledged Pennington's service, and Hardin County Judge-Executive Keith Taul acknowledged the loss. Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, USASMDC commanding general, and Col. Michael F. Dyer, 1st Space Brigade commander, issued statements regarding Pennington's service.

Vice President JD Vance stated on Monday that Sgt. Pennington's remains were expected to be repatriated to the U.S. later that day.