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

Spc. Dennis J. Ferderer Jr., 20, of New Salem, N.D., died in Ad Duluiyah, Iraq, on Nov. 2, when enemy forces threw a hand grenade at his HMMWV during convoy operations. Ferderer was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

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