The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on Aug. 9, 2005, in Bayji, Iraq, where a mine exploded and enemy forces attacked using small arms fire. The attack occurred while the soldiers were investigating a rocket-propelled grenade incident. The soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), Philadelphia, Pa.

Killed were:

Pfc. Nathaniel E. Detample, 19, of Morrisville, Pa.

Spc. John Kulick, 35, of Harleysville, Pa.

Spc. Gennaro Pellegrini Jr., 31, of Philadelphia, Pa.

Sgt. Francis J. Straub Jr., 24, of Philadelphia, Pa

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