India, March 9 -- The seventh American soldier to lose his life in the conflict with Iran was a highly decorated member of the Army's prestigious 1st Space Brigade, which plays a vital role in air defense systems, officials reported on Monday.

Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, from Glendale, Kentucky, died on Sunday due to injuries he incurred a week prior during Iran's retaliatory strike at the Prince Sultan Air Base, where he was deployed in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, 1st Space Brigade commander Col. Michael Dyer said, "Sgt. Pennington was a dedicated and experienced noncommissioned officer who led with strength, professionalism, and sense of duty," NY Post reported.

"Our deepest sympathies are with his family, friends, and fellow ...