Dignified Transfer for the Seventh U.S. Service Member Killed in the Iran War

The remains of Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, a Kentucky soldier killed in the Iran war, were returned to the United States Monday during a solemn dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky, died Sunday after being wounded in a March 1 attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, according to the Pentagon. His death makes him the seventh U.S. service member killed since the conflict began.

Pennington served with the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command at Fort Carson, Colorado. The unit focuses on missile warning systems, GPS operations, and satellite communications.

Friends and community members in Hardin County, Kentucky, described Pennington as humble and dedicated. Mike Bell, a retired pastor who knew him since childhood, said he was “quiet” and focused on doing what needed to be done.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called Pennington “a hero who sacrificed everything serving our country.”

Pennington graduated from Central Hardin High School in 2017 and was an Eagle Scout before joining the Army. During his service, he received several awards, including the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.

Military leaders praised his dedication and service. The Pentagon said Pennington will be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.

Six other U.S. service members have died since the conflict began Feb. 28. They were Army reservists killed in Kuwait when an Iranian drone struck an operations center at a civilian port.