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

1st Sgt. Ernest E. Utt, 38, of Hammond, Ill., died June 27 in Baghdad, Iraq, after two 122mm rockets were fired into his forward operating base. Utt was assigned to Battery B, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

The incident is under investigation.

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