The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Master Sgt. Kelly L. Hornbeck, 36, of Fort Worth, Texas, died of wounds Jan. 18 at 28th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) in Iraq. On Jan. 16, Master Sgt. Hornbeck sustained injuries when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle, south of Samarra, Iraq. Hornbeck was initially evacuated to the 21st CSH and then moved to the 28th CSH for further treatment where he later died. He was assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, based at Fort Carson, Colo.

The incident is under investigation.