The U.S. Department of War announced Monday morning that a Kentucky soldier died while supporting Operation Epic Fury in Iran.
GLENDALE, Ky. (WAVE) – The U.S. Department of War confirmed Monday morning that a Kentucky soldier died while supporting Operation Epic Fury in Iran.
The soldier, identified as Sergeant Benjamin Pennington of Glendale, died Sunday from injuries he suffered during a March 1 attack at Prince Sultan Air Base.
Before wearing the uniform while serving his country, Pennington stood out in Hardin County’s automotive technology program.
His former teacher praised the teenager he remembered as someone who could do it all, describing him as “a Swiss Army knife of students” and saying he set the “gold standard” for character.
“Ben Pennington, as far as I’m concerned, has always been an American hero,” Hardin County Schools Instructor Tom Pitt said. “From the point I first met him, everything that he did, he did the way that, that I would be proud of.”
Pennington enlisted in 2017 as a unit supply specialist.
The Army did not specify what he was doing when he was injured, only stating that he had been serving with the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade since 2025.
“Everyone else’s impression was, ‘Man, that guy’s doing really cool stuff.’ And he projected that,” Pitt said. “It was the ‘Hey, cool military guy who did cool military stuff.’ I can’t help but feel like he was really, really proud of that and that was a big part of his character after he left.”
Hardin Schools released a statement following Pennington’s death:
“Hardin County Schools mourns the loss of Sgt. Benjamin Pennington, who passed away while serving on a mission in Saudi Arabia during Operation Epic Fury.
Sgt. Pennington is a 2017 graduate of Central Hardin High School. He was also enrolled in the HCS 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.
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 loved him and will forever honor his legacy.”
Governor Andy Beshear described Pennington as a “hero who sacrificed everything serving our country” in a social media post.
Representative Brett Guthrie, who represents Kentucky’s Second Congressional District, also shared a message on social media honoring Pennington.
Pennington is the eighth combat death and the ninth casualty involving a service member since Feb. 28.
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