Benjamin Pennington, 26, identified as 7th U.S. soldier killed in war with Iran

Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington.

The U.S. military on Monday identified a seventh U.S. service member killed in the conflict with Iran. Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky, died as a result of injuries sustained during the second day of the war, on March 1.

In a statement, the Army said Pennington "was seriously injured at the scene of an attack on U.S. troops at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia," last Saturday and died a week later on Sunday, March 8. The 26-year-old enlisted in the Army in 2017 and last June was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, in Fort Carson, Colorado.

ABC News reported that Pennington was stationed at a strategic radar site that provides early missile defense warning. During remarks made on Monday, Vice President JD Vance, speaking at the International Association of Fire Fighters Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., said Pennington's body would be returning to the U.S. Monday evening. Vance called on Americans to keep the fallen soldiers and their families in their prayers. 

"I hope that if you're the praying type," Vance said, "you'll spare a prayer for the six souls we lost, for the seventh soul, who will be coming home tonight, and for all of their families." Over the weekend, President Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for the six American service members the military said was killed last week.

In a statement, the U.S. Army said Pennington "gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved. That makes him nothing less than a hero, and he will always be remembered that way. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends." The Army went on to say Pennington would be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant. Below, watch a clip of Vance's comments.