The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 14 of injuries suffered when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated in the vicinity of a West Baghdad Substation where they were located.

Killed were:

Sgt. Aaron A. Smith, 31, of Killeen, Texas. Smith was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.

Sgt. Jennifer M. Hartman, 21, of New Ringgold, Pa. Hartman was assigned to the 4th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Cpl. Marcus A. Cain, 20, of Crowley, La. Cain was assigned to the 4th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

For further information related to Hartman and Cain, media can contact the 4th Infantry Division public affairs office at (254) 287-9993.

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