The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 31 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while they were conducting a combat patrol. Both soldiers were assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Killed were:

Cpl. Jonathan E. Schiller, 20, of Ottumwa, Iowa.

Spc. Richard A. Smith, 20, of Grand Prairie, Texas.

For more information about these soldiers the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-0104.