Hilaman, Kevin Joseph
Male
Verified U.S. Army Specialist Kevin Joseph Hilaman, 28, of Albany, California, was killed in a hostile incident in Watahpur District, Afghanistan, on June 26, 2011.
Their Story
Kevin Joseph Hilaman was a 28-year-old specialist in the United States Army. He was assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, based out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He was a native of Albany, California.
On June 26, 2011, Hilaman was killed in Watahpur District, Kunar Province, Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, he died of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire while his unit was conducting a dismounted patrol.
His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The operation focused on counter-insurgency against Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces.
Hilaman's death was reported by several news outlets, including the San Francisco Chronicle, which noted his local ties. He was one of at least 1,570 U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan in 2011, the deadliest year of the war for coalition forces.
He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and other commendations. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Albany Veterans Memorial Building.
Explore Further
Kevin Hilaman 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.
