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

Pfc. Joseph Cruz, 22, of Whittier, Calif., died in Bagram, Afghanistan, on Oct. 16, of non-combat related injuries sustained in an accident at Organ-E, Afghanistan, on Oct. 15. Cruz was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment, Vicenza, Italy.

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