The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 29 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.

Killed were:

Sgt. Lawrence J. Carter, 25, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

Pfc. William R. Newgard, 20, of Arlington Heights, Ill. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

For more information about these soldiers, contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4859.