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

Sgt. Joseph W. Perry, 23, of Alpine, Calif., died on Oct. 2 in Muhallah, Iraq, when his mounted patrol came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations. Perry was assigned to the 21st Military Police Company, 16th Military Police Brigade, XVIIIth Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.

For further information related to this release the media can contact the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg public affairs office at (910) 396-5600.