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

Pfc. Jacob S. Fletcher, 28, of Bay Shore, N.Y., was killed on Nov. 13 in Samara, Iraq. Fletcher was riding on a bus when an improvised explosive device exploded. Fletcher died of his injuries.

Fletcher was assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Camp Ederle, Italy.

The incident is under investigation.