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

Spc. Joseph F. Herndon, II, 21, of Derby, Kan., died July 29, in Hawijah, Iraq, when he was shot while on guard duty. Herndon was assigned to the Army,s 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

The incident is under investigation.

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