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

Capt. Hayes Clayton, 29, of Georgia, died Dec. 25 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was conducting combat operations. Clayton was assigned to the 842nd Military Training and Transition team, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

For further information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-2253.