Benson, Keith David
Male
Verified U.S. Army Specialist Keith David Benson, 27, of Brockton, Massachusetts, was killed in action on January 18, 2012, at Combat Outpost Boris in Afghanistan.
Their Story
Keith David Benson was a 27-year-old soldier from Brockton, Massachusetts. He served as a Specialist in the U.S. Army, assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based in Grafenwoehr, Germany.
On January 18, 2012, Specialist Benson was killed by enemy small-arms fire while on patrol near Combat Outpost Boris in the volatile Wardak province of Afghanistan. He was one of two U.S. soldiers killed in the same engagement that day.
Benson's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In early 2012, the conflict was in its eleventh year, with U.S. and coalition forces engaged in counterinsurgency operations and training Afghan security forces.
Following his death, Benson's body was returned to the United States. A funeral service was held in his hometown of Brockton. The Department of Defense officially announced his death, along with that of the other soldier killed, Staff Sergeant Jonathan D. Davis.
Specialist Benson was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and other commendations. He is remembered by his unit and community as a dedicated soldier.
Explore Further
Keith David Benson was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001?2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.
