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

Pfc. Stephen E. Wyatt, 19, of Kilgore, Texas, was killed on Oct. 13 in Balad, Iraq. Wyatt was in a convoy that was hit by an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He died as a result of his injuries. Wyatt was assigned to C Battery, 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill, Okla.

Spc. Donald L. Wheeler, 22, of Concord, Mich., was killed on Oct. 13 in Tikrit, Iraq. Wheeler was searching for a possible improvised explosive device when his unit came under attack from a rocket propelled grenade. He died as a result of his injuries. Wheeler was assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

These incidents are under investigation.