The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Oct. 17 in Baqubah, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Ryan E. Haupt, 24, of Phoenix, Ariz.

Sgt. Norman R. Taylor III, 21, of Blythe, Calif.

Pfc. Nathan J. Frigo, 23, of Kokomo, Ind.

For further information related to this release the media can contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-3420.