Deceased Norwood Soldier Keith Benson Honored With Corner Memorial-This Day In Norwood History-May 29, 2012

Norwood Dedicates Corner Memorial to Army Spc. Keith David “Doc” Benson

NORWOOD — A new Corner Memorial now stands at the intersection of Gay Street and Joy Street, honoring Army Spc. Keith David “Doc” Benson, a beloved Norwood native and combat medic who lost his life in Patika Providence, Afghanistan, on January 18.

More than 150 friends, family members, neighbors, and veterans gathered on Memorial Day to witness the unveiling of the plaque, which now marks the 56th memorial corner in town dedicated to a resident who gave their life in service to the nation.

A Ceremony of Honor and Remembrance

The ceremony opened with a prayer from American Legion Chaplain James D’Espinoza, who asked that the memorial bring “joy, pride, and enduring remembrance of Keith’s service during wartime and his profound loyalty and love for family.”

Standing before the Benson family and the large crowd, Selectman Helen Abdallah‑Donohue spoke of the deep personal loss felt by the community:

“We gather to honor a lost son, a lost grandson, a lost loving person so loved by his peers, they gave him the nickname ‘Doc.’”

Selectman Paul Bishop reflected on Benson’s heroism, recounting the events of September 2011, when Benson repeatedly revived Staff Sgt. Daniel Quintana during a Taliban attack. (The Taliban is an extremist organization responsible for severe harm and human rights violations.)

A Soldier’s Record of Valor

Benson’s service record included numerous commendations, among them:

• National Defense Service Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Army Overseas Medal
• NATO Medal
• Expert Rifle Badge
• Good Conduct Medal

Veterans Agent Ted Mulvehill praised Benson’s embodiment of the Army’s highest virtues—fidelity, loyalty, courage—and emphasized the lasting impact of his sacrifice.

A Family’s Sacrifice Acknowledged

During the ceremony, the presentation of colors was made to Benson’s parents, David and Kathleen Benson, in recognition of their son’s service and the immeasurable loss they bear.

Mulvehill expressed the town’s gratitude:

“We thank the Benson family for a sacrifice that can never be replaced.”

A Corner Near Home

Norwood’s Corner Memorial tradition places each dedication near the home of the fallen. True to that custom, the Keith Benson Corner Memorial stands directly across from the family’s residence on Gay Street.

Benson, a Norwood High School Class of 2002 graduate, served as a combat medic with the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade. He was 27 years old at the time of his death.

Continuing a Townwide Promise

Benson’s memorial is the 56th such dedication in Norwood. Mulvehill reaffirmed the town’s commitment to eventually honor all 103 Norwood sons lost in battle with individual corner memorials.

Each plaque, he said, ensures that “their names will remain part of the streets they once walked, the neighborhoods they called home, and the town that will never forget them.”

(George Curtis, Norwood Historical Society)

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