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

Sgt. Stephen P. Saxton, 24, of Temecula, Calif., died May 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit was conducting a route security mission and an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Saxton was assigned to the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

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