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

Staff Sgt. Jerome Lemon, 42, of North Charleston, S.C., died Oct. 27 in Balad, Iraq, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. Lemon was assigned to the Army National Guard,s 1052nd Transportation Company, Kingstree, S.C.

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