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

Staff Sgt. Henry E. Irizarry, 38, of Bronx, New York, died Dec. 3 in Taji, Iraq, when his unit was on patrol and an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Irizarry was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York, N.Y.

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