‘Always been an American hero’: School instructor pays tribute to slain US Sgt Benjamin Pennington

GLENDALE, KENTUCKY: Sgt Benjamin N Pennington, a 26-year-old US Army soldier from Glendale, Kentucky, has died after suffering injuries in a March 1 attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia during Operation Epic Fury in the Middle East.

The Department of War confirmed Pennington’s death on Monday, March 9. His passing has prompted tributes from political leaders, military officials, and residents in his hometown, where many described the loss as a devastating blow to the small Hardin County community.

Kentucky leaders honor fallen soldier Benjamin Pennington

Kentucky leaders issued statements mourning Pennington and recognizing his service to the country after news of his death was confirmed.

Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear said, "Kentucky, I am sad to share we just received news that Sgt Benjamin N Pennington from Glendale has died due to injuries from an Iranian attack. Sgt Pennington is a hero who sacrificed everything serving our country. Please join Britainy and me as we pray for his family and our fellow Kentuckians during this difficult time."

Rep Brett Guthrie added, "Today, the Commonwealth mourns the loss of Sgt Benjamin Pennington, from Glendale, who was killed in an enemy attack during Operation Epic Fury. Please join Beth and me in praying for his family and loved ones. Our nation is forever grateful for Sgt Pennington's sacrifice."

Rep Morgan McGarvey also reacted to the news, saying, "We are devastated by the loss of Kentuckian Sgt Benjamin Pennington, who died yesterday due to his injuries from an attack in Saudi Arabia. My heart is with his family, loved ones, and community in Glendale, KY as we mourn his passing. We'll never forget his sacrifice."

Sen Mitch McConnell said, "Today, Kentucky mourns the loss of one of our own: Sergeant Benjamin N Pennington, US Army, a native of Glendale. Sgt Pennington was killed by Iran in an attack on US troops in Saudi Arabia. Sgt Pennington’s death is an awful reminder of the costs of Tehran’s decades-long war against American servicemembers. A grateful nation honors his life and his service to our country as he paid the ultimate sacrifice in defending American freedom. Elaine and I are thinking of his family during this difficult time, and we pray for our troops still in harm’s way in the Middle East."

Glendale community mourns Sgt Benjamin Pennington

In Glendale, residents and community members also shared their grief, remembering Pennington as someone who represented the town with pride.

Pastor Michael Bell of Glendale Christian Church said the loss has deeply affected the community. "This is just heartbreaking," Bell said. "There's no words to describe how mom and dad feel and the loss of their son."

Bell added, "This is a tragedy for the whole community. Even the people who didn't know the Penningtons are hurting because it's here. It's real. It's our community."

Tom Pitt, a teacher at Central Hardin High School where Pennington studied, described him as someone admired by classmates even before joining the military.

"Ben Pennington, as far as I'm concerned, has always been an American hero," Pitt said.

He also reflected on Pennington’s character during his time in the school’s automotive program. "Fixing the car, that's not always good enough. Sometimes it's fixing the people. He was good at fixing people," Pitt said.

"But one of the doctors sent them word last night that their son gave his life doing what he wanted to do. And because of him, they were safe. I thought that's such a beautiful statement, and this was something that Ben wanted to do. He enlisted. He wanted to do this, and he made a career of it."

About fallen soldier Sgt Benjamin Pennington

Pennington grew up in Glendale and graduated from Central Hardin High School in 2017 before enlisting in the US Army the same year.

He initially served as a 92Y unit supply specialist responsible for managing equipment and supplies for military units.

Since June 10, 2025, he had been assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade of the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command at Fort Carson, Colorado. 

During his eight years of service, Pennington received multiple awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, and Army Service Ribbon.

Pennington was the seventh American service member killed during Operation Epic Fury.