U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) News Release

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

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

            Petty Officer 1st Class Jerry A. Tharp, 44, of Muscatine, Iowa, died July 12 as a result of enemy action when his dismounted patrol was struck by an improvised explosive device while operating in the Al Anbar province of Iraq.  He was assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25, Rock Island, Ill.

            For further information related to this release, contact Navy Public Affairs at (703) 697-5342.

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