The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Paul C. Mardis, Jr., 25, of Palmetto, Fla., died July 15 in Washington, D.C., from injuries sustained on May 20 in Mosul, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. Mardis was assigned to the Army's 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, from Fort Campbell, Ky.

The incident is under investigation.

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