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

Sgt. Brud J. Cronkrite, 22, of Spring Valley, Calif., died May 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, from injuries he sustained on May 13, in Karbala when a rocket-propelled grenade fired into a building near him during a security patrol. Cronkrite was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Armor, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany.

The incident is under investigation.

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