Pentagon confirms identity of seventh service member during Iran operation

Published March 9, 2026 12:46pm ET



The Pentagon has confirmed the death of a seventh American troop during the U.S.-Israel operation in Iran.

The soldier was identified as Sgt. Benjamin Pennington, who hailed from Glendale, Kentucky. He died on Sunday, but his name was revealed Monday morning in line with the military’s policy to give the families of slain service members 24 hours before the public announcement.

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