The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Yusifiyah, Iraq, on Sept. 2 of injuries suffered from mortar fire during dismounted combat operations.

Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Killed were:

Sgt. Ralph N. Porras, 36, of Merrill, Mich.

Pfc. Justin W. Dreese, 21, of Northumberland, Pa.

For further information related to this release, contact 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.