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

Spc. Rodney A. Jones, 21, of Philadelphia, Penn., died Sept. 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device exploded near his dismounted patrol. Jones was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

For further information on this soldier, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.