Gates Benson, Austin Harper

Austin Harper Gates Benson was born in Hellertown, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and attained the rank of Airman First Class. He was assigned to the 54th Combat Communications Squadron, based at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. The squadron's mission was to establish and maintain tactical communications networks in combat zones.

On May 3, 2010, Gates Benson was on duty in Khyber, Afghanistan. According to military reports, his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). He sustained fatal wounds in the attack.

Gates Benson died during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. The Khyber district, part of the volatile Paktika province, was a known area of insurgent activity where IEDs were a persistent threat to coalition and Afghan forces.

The Department of Defense announced his death on May 5, 2010. His body was returned to the United States. A memorial service was held in his hometown of Hellertown.

He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. His name is inscribed on the Air Force Memorial and is included in remembrances for service members from Pennsylvania killed in the war.

Airman First Class Gates 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.

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