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

Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Witte, 27, of Beardsley, Minn., died on Oct. 20 in Baghdad, Iraq, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during a combat patrol.

Witte was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.

For further information related to this release, contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 0611-705-4859.