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

Spc. Kyle G. Thomas, 23, of Topeka, Kan., was killed on Sept. 25, 2003, in Tikrit, Iraq. Thomas was on patrol when an improvised explosive device exploded. He died of injuries sustained in the explosion.

Thomas was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Fort Ederle, Italy.

This incident is under investigation.