The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Killed were:

Spc. Jerry L. Ganey Jr., 29, of Folkston, Ga.

Spc. Mathew V. Gibbs, 21, of Ambrose, Ga.

Sgt. 1st Class Charles H. Warren, 36, of Duluth, Ga.

They died on Aug. 3, in Baghdad, Iraq, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near their armored personnel carrier. Gibbs was in the vehicle at the time; Warren and Ganey were conducting a dismounted security patrol. The soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's 648th Engineer Battalion, 48th Infantry Brigade, Statesboro, Ga.

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