The Department of Defense announced today the Feb. 11 deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. An improvised explosive device struck the soldiers while they were on a mounted patrol in Baghdad, Iraq.

Killed are:

• Sgt. Patrick S. Tainsh, 33, of Oceanside, Calif.
• Pfc. William C. Ramirez, 19, of Portland, Ore.

Both soldiers were assigned to Troop E, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Polk, La.

The incident is under investigation.