Captain Benjamin David Tiffner, 31, was killed in action Wednesday, November 7, 2007 when his vehicle was struck by an IED while conducting a combat operation in Baghdad, Iraq. Benjamin lived near Nashville, TN and was preceded in death by his grandfather, Lewis Edgar Tiffner, Retired US Army, Command Sergeant Major. Benjamin is survived by his parents, Timothy and Judith Tiffner, two sisters, Rebekah Crain and Sarah Tiffner, and two brothers, Joshua and Seth Tiffner.
Early in life, Benjamin planned to join the military. At 19, he enrolled at the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 2000. After Infantry Officer’s Basic Course, Airborne School and Ranger School, he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment., at Fort Lewis, Wash., and served as an infantry platoon leader, reconnaissance platoon leader, and company executive officer. He served in Iraq from November 2003 to March 2004. Upon graduating from the Special Forces Qualification Course in April 2006, he was assigned to 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, KY. At the time of his death, Captain Tiffner was a Special Forces Operational Detachment – Team Leader for ODA 5136.
His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Special Forces Tab.
Ben grew up both in the Philippines, where his family served as missionaries, and later in the Charleston, West Virginia area. While in high school, Ben played varsity basketball and soccer at Cross Lanes Christian School. He was home-schooled his last three years of high school. He loved competitive sports and hunting, and throughout his career in the Army Ben demonstrated an unusual passion for excellence combined with real personal humility. By God’s grace, Ben’s thoroughly-converted character made him an outstanding leader, counselor, soldier, friend, son, and brother.
Benjamin died a Christian, heartily fulfilling his calling from God. He had talked with his family the day of the attack. To his parents and sister, Ben expressed concern for the spiritual needs surrounding him and resounding confidence that he was where God had led him, Ben confidently stated that he and his men were making a difference in the war effort. In his earthly life, Benjamin Tiffner was wholly dedicated to praising the glorious grace of his God.
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