Ergin Osman
Staff Sergeant, United States Army
August 2, 1975 – May 26, 2011
Age – 35
Harrison Township, MI
Operation Enduring Freedom
4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY
Died when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device in Kandahar province, Afghanistan
Family and friends of Staff Sgt. Ergin V. Osman say the soldier who grew up in Detroit’s suburbs was “born and bred” for the service. Osman grew up in Sterling Heights and Harrison Township, and attended Sterling Heights High School. He joined the Marine Corps in 1997, and served for 10 years before enlisting in the Army His father was a Green Beret during the Vietnam War. His son Aidan has followed in his footsteps and is an infantry soldier.
He died doing what he loved to do. He loved the military and everything it stood for.
His awards and decorations include: Air Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Navy Commendation with Combat Distinguishing Device; Army Achievement Medal; Navy Achievement Medal with Valor Device; Air Force Meritorious Unit Award Ribbon; Combat Action Ribbon; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Navy Unit Commendation; Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Kosovo Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal; Parachutist Badge; Air Assault Badge; Combat Infantryman Badge and Ranger Tab.
He was remembered by his fellow soldiers as follows.
I got to know Ergin at the YMCA in Hopkinsville, KY, where we both worked out. He was the strongest lifter in the weight room, but also a considerate and gentle man, who always had a word of encouragement for everyone. When I was a Marine platoon Cmdr 35 years ago, I would have given my eyetooth to have him as my platoon Sgt. I am a better person for having known Ergin. God bless you.
Tom Glover
Osman,
You will truly be missed, you paid the ultimate sacrifice, i will see you one day we can both guard the gates. Never Above you, Never Below you, Always right beside you.
Love You Brother, GySgt Bryan Gilstrap Camp Lejeune, NC
I just wanted to take a minute and say that it was an honor and a privilege to serve alongside Ergin in Lima 3/8. We were good friends. He was the type of person that could become friends with everyone he met. I am proud to have known him, to have worn the uniform alongside him, and to call him my brother. May you rest in peace, brother. You will be greatly missed by everyone.
Adam Snyder