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

Spc. Robert S. Pugh, 25, of Meridian, Miss., died Mar. 2 in Iskandariyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. Pugh was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry, McComb, Miss.

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