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

Spc. Jared J. Raymond, 20, of Swampscott, Mass., died on Sept. 19, in Balad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his M1A2 Abrams Tank during combat operations in Taji, Iraq. Raymond was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

For further information related to this release contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993.