The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations Dec. 25 in Baghdad, Iraq. They were assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

Killed were:

Sgt. John T. Bubeck, 25, of Collegeville, Pa. He later died Dec. 26.

Spc. Aaron L. Preston, 29, of Dallas.

Pfc. Andrew H. Nelson, 19, of Saint Johns, Mich.

For further information on these soldiers the media can contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4859.