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

Sgt. Mario Nelson, 26, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died in Hit, Iraq, on Oct. 1 from injuries suffered when a rocket-propelled grenade detonated near his vehicle. Nelson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany.

For further information related to this release the media can contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4862.