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

Col. William W. Wood, 44, of Panama City, Fla., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Oct. 27, when he was directing security operations in response to the detonation of an improvised explosive device. During this response, a second improvised explosive device detonated near his position. Wood was a regular Army soldier assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, Modesto, Calif.

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