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

Spc. Douglas C. Desjardins, 24, of Mesa, Ariz., died Nov. 5 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his M1A1 Abrams tank during combat operations. Desjardins was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Ray Barracks, Giessen, Germany.

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