The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on August 6, 2005, near Balad, Iraq, where they were conducting convoy operations when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion.

Killed were:

Sgt. Brahim J. Jeffcoat, 25, of Philadelphia, Pa.

Spc. Kurt E. Krout, 43, of Spinnerstown, Pa.

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