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

Staff Sgt. Tracy L. Melvin, 31, of Seattle, Wash., died of injuries sustained on Aug. 6, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Melvin was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.

Media with questions about this soldier should contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4862.