Kentucky soldier dies days after attack on US troops in Middle East

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Glendale, Kentucky, native and U.S. Army soldier died after being wounded during an attack on American troops in the Middle East, according to the Department of War.

Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, died March 8 from injuries he suffered during the Iranian regime's initial attacks across the region as part of Operation Epic Fury. Army officials said Pennington was seriously injured March 1 during an attack on U.S. troops at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado, which is part of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Officials said the incident remains under investigation.

Military leaders said Pennington served with dedication and professionalism.

Pennington, a resident of Glendale, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2017 as a unit supply specialist. He was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, on June 10, 2025.

In a statement Monday afternoon, Hardin County Schools said the district was mourning Pennington, a 2017 graduate of Central Hardin High School. The district said he was also enrolled in the Automotive Technology Pathway at the HCS Early College and Career Center.

"Sgt. Pennington represented the very best of our community, state and nation. We are profoundly grateful for his service and his devotion to our country. His dedication was exemplary and he has proven that by rendering the ultimate sacrifice," the district's statement continued. "Our hearts go out to his beloved family. We grieve alongside them as they mourn a wonderful son, brother and soldier.

"We are also keeping his friends, former teachers and classmates in our thoughts. Regardless of time or distance, Sgt. Pennington remains a cherished member of the HCS and Central Hardin families. We grieve alongside all who lived him and will forever honor his legacy."

Tom Pitt was one of his teachers in the Automotive Technology Pathway.

"He would be the kind of student that you would be proud to say 'yes, that was my student or yes that was my son,'" said Pitt.

He added that Pennington is the exact type of person who would make a sacrifice for his country.

"It's unfortunate. It's heartbreaking, but it's not surprising," he said. "He was always the type of person who would do that, who would do things for the betterment of others."

His awards and decorations include three Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Korea Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.