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

Sgt. Gabriel G. DeRoo, 25, of Paw Paw, Mich., died on Aug. 20 in Mosul, Iraq, of injuries suffered when he encountered enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations. DeRoo was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Media with questions about this soldier can contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0155.