The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. James H. Pirtle, 27, of La Mesa, N.M., was killed on Oct. 4 in Assadah, Iraq. Pirtle was in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle when an RPG struck his vehicle. Pirtle died of his injuries.

Pirtle was assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas.

Pfc. Charles M. Sims, 18, of Miami, Fla., drowned on Oct. 3 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Sims was assigned to the 549th Military Police Company, Fort Stewart, Ga.

These incidents are under investigation.