The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 11 in Baghdad, Iraq when their helicopter was shot down. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were:

Chief Warrant Officer Wesley C. Fortenberry, 38, of Woodville, Texas.

Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence S. Colton, 32, of Oklahoma City, Okla.

The incident is under investigation.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.