Gilman, Benjamin Lewis

Benjamin Lewis Gilman was a 28-year-old sergeant from Meriden, Connecticut. He served as an active-duty soldier in the U.S. Army, assigned to A Company, 41st Engineer Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, New York.

On January 29, 2004, Sgt. Gilman was killed in Ghazni, Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, he was conducting a combat patrol when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. The blast also wounded another soldier in the vehicle.

Gilman's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By early 2004, operations had shifted from major combat to counterinsurgency and stabilization efforts, with a focus on training Afghan forces and targeting insurgent networks. Ghazni province was a known area of Taliban activity.

His death was reported by the Department of Defense and noted in several Connecticut newspapers. He was survived by his wife, parents, and siblings. A memorial service was held in his hometown of Meriden.

Sgt. Gilman was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. He is memorialized on the 10th Mountain Division memorial at Fort Drum and is listed on the Afghanistan War Memorial in his home state of Connecticut.

Sgt. Benjamin Gilman 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: Santos, Dave Michael Maliksi, Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif.

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