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

Sgt. Carl Thomas, 29, of Phoenix, Ariz., died Sept. 13 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his observation post. Thomas was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

The incident is under investigation.

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