Sherman, Benjamin William

Sgt. Benjamin William Sherman deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign that began in October 2001. By late 2009, the conflict had entered a phase of intense counterinsurgency operations, particularly in remote river valleys like Bala Murghab in Badghis Province. Sherman was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, a unit tasked with disrupting Taliban supply routes and supporting local Afghan forces.

On November 10, 2009, Sherman was participating in a mission in the Bala Murghab district. According to U.S. military reports, his unit came under hostile fire during the operation. The Department of Defense stated that Sherman and another soldier, Pfc. Derrick D. Gwaltney, 21, were reported missing after the engagement.

An extensive search and recovery operation was launched in the days that followed. On November 13, the Department of Defense confirmed that the remains of both soldiers had been recovered from a river in the area. The official casualty report listed the cause of death as hostile action.

Sherman was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant. He was 21 years old. His death occurred during a period when improvised explosive device attacks and direct engagements in Afghanistan were increasing, as documented by U.S. military records for that year.

He was survived by his wife, parents, and siblings. Memorial services were held in Massachusetts and at Fort Bragg. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.

Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, the conflict in which Sgt. Sherman served, 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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